By Chukwuemeka Umesi
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The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed mixed reactions to the newly approved national minimum wage of N70,000. While acknowledging the increase, the chapter’s chairman, Comrade Funmi Sessi, described the amount as unsustainable for workers in Lagos State due to the prevailing economic conditions.
“I would like to express a mixed reaction to the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government in the sense that we believed, and we know that President Bola Tinubu would have done better than the approved N70,000.
If not for the reactions of the Governors Forum, where the Governors insisted on N50,000, we believed President Tinubu’s approval would have been in the range of N100,000,” Sessi said.
Govs’ Forum Blamed for Meager Increase
Sessi accused the Governors’ Forum of being responsible for the meager increase, stating that they insisted on paying N50,000 as minimum wage during negotiations.
“Though, the N70,000 falls short of our expectations but we still thank God, at least we were able to push a little further than the N62,000 the government was proposing to pay because of the reactions of the governors and private employers as well,” she added.
Need for Lagos Factor
Sessi emphasized the need for Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to consider the unique economic challenges of the state and implement a “Lagos factor” to supplement the minimum wage. “Lagos State Government needs to look critically into our own and add Lagos factor to our wages. If Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Edo, Kogi, Imo, states agreed to pay N70,000 as stipulated by law, Lagos, Kano, Rivers and Abuja, there will always be that special factor on the allowances received. On the rent allowances, we know how much we pay for a two-bedroom flat or three-bedroom flat in Lagos, annually. For a two-bedroom the minimum you can get is N1 million,” she said.
National Assembly to Receive Executive Bill
The National Assembly is expected to receive an Executive Bill next Tuesday, July 23, to give legal effect to the new national minimum wage agreement reached between President Tinubu and labour leaders. The bill will establish a new minimum wage of N70,000 to replace the expired N30,000 minimum wage.
Mixed Reactions
While the NLC Lagos Chapter acknowledged the increase, they expressed concerns about the sustainability of the amount in the face of rising inflation and the high cost of living in Lagos State. “We will continue to negotiate, and dialogue with the government until what we feel is the best is achieved,” Sessi said.
Retirees to Benefit
Sessi also appreciated the fact that retirees will benefit from the new minimum wage, with an added percentage to their stipend and monthly pensions. “At least 20 per cent from level 1 to 16 and from level 17 to 28 per cent. While, in some instances from level 1 to 14 is 20 per cent and other instances from 15 and above is 28 per cent,” she said.
Lagos State’s Unique Challenges
Sessi stressed that Lagos State has unique economic challenges that require special consideration. “We in Lagos State, rightly as we know that Lagos is a city, we need to negotiate further with the state government with the state government. Like the rates of transportation, feeding, and others,” she said.
Appeal to Governor Sanwo-Olu
Sessi appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to negotiate further to address the challenges faced by workers in the state. “We are using this medium to appeal to our good and loving Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, who is always willing to appreciate the good work of workers, alleviating our plights, to consider Lagos factor for workers in the state. N70,000 is definitely not sustainable for Lagos workers,” she said.Crime Rate Has Declined – IGP EgbetokunThe Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced that the crime rate in Nigeria is declining. He made this statement after meeting with President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the State House.Synergy and CollaborationEgbetokun attributed the decline in crime to the synergy and collaboration among security agencies. He said, “Mr. President is satisfied with our report; he has challenged us to continue to work together and improve our synergy.”Records Show Decline in CrimeThe IGP emphasized that records show a decline in crime across the country. “We have records of all reported crimes across the country, and I can tell you that the crime rate is declining in Nigeria. Records don’t lie; the records are there, so I can assure you that we will continue to do what we are doing to maintain the decline in the crime rate.”Call for Citizen ParticipationThe Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, urged citizens to join hands with security agencies in the fight against crime. He said, “We all need to put our heads together to achieve this success. Nobody can do it alone, no single service, no single individual can do this.”Warning to CriminalsGeneral Musa also warned criminals stealing the nation’s natural resources that “we are coming after them.” He assured that President Tinubu is aware of the ills and cries of the oil-producing communities and is committed to addressing them.Collaboration and SynergyThe IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy among security agencies and citizens in the fight against crime. They assured that security agencies will continue to work together to maintain the decline in crime and ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.