ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has assured the Nigerian workers that their days of worries are over.
The president also promised them that the issues that prevented the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage from reaching a consensus would soon be resolved.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday, May 1, while delivering his speech as Special Guest of Honour at this year’s May Day Commemoration ceremony at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
He further assured workers that his administration is more open to the Tripartite Committee’s living wage above minimum wage.
The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, with the message he titled “Solidarity in Action: Collaborative Governance, Empowered Workers”, however, called on the Organised Labour to collaborate with his administration in its efforts to achieve growth and development for Nigeria.
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He said, “You would recall that on January 30th, 2024, the Federal Government convened a 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage. The committee’s mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions.
“Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage. Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over.
“Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.
“Great Nigerian Workers, we cannot achieve a just and equitable society that caters to the needs of every member, including the strong and the weak, without fostering peace and unity. Our shared vision for national growth and development can only be realised in an atmosphere of industrial harmony and peaceful coexistence in every segment of our country. The dividends we have promised the nation, and which you work tirelessly to ensure, can only be achieved when we all unite for progress.
“So, I call upon each and every one of you, as I have consistently done, to join hands in shaping the destiny of our nation towards greatness. Our allegiance and patriotism are the bedrock upon which our beloved country thrives.
“The success of our government’s policies and programmes hinges on the willingness of the workers, as the backbone of our workforce, to embrace them wholeheartedly. I appeal to you to continue using the power of the labour movement for the greater good of our nation, fostering harmony and cooperation.”
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He then called on the Labour and all Nigerians to place their faith in his administration, assuring them all that all he does are in the interest of Nigeria and aimed at transforming it into a viable state, capable of providing for all its people.
“On this momentous day, I urge you and all our fellow citizens to place your trust in this administration. The seeds of greatness planted in our nation are beginning to bear fruit, and they promise a future filled with hope and bound by prosperity.
“Let me assure you, with the utmost sincerity, that every initiative undertaken by this administration is geared towards transforming Nigeria into a nation that can truly provide for its people,” he added.
Also, the president express appreciation to the Organised Labour, represented by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), acknowledging their immense contributions to the smooth running of the state and how their efforts have also contributed to salvaging the economy.
Continuing he said: “Great Nigerian workers, your role as an indispensable component of the nation’s engine cannot be overstated by any government if the quest for a just and progressive society is to be realised. Therefore, I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to you on this very important celebration.
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“I do not take for granted the understanding, patience, commitment, and support you have shown throughout the implementation of this government’s policies and programmes aimed at positively transforming our great nation. Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board.“
Furthermore, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges facing the nation currently, including the menace of insecurity, and assured of his administration’s resolve to end these challenges.
“We took office at the time many nations, including ours, were experiencing daunting socio-political and developmental challenges. Yet, we are resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on.
“The scourge of criminality, from banditry to kidnapping and the farmer-herder crises, alongside terrorism, continues to afflict our nation despite the tireless efforts of our armed forces. We are aware of the toll this takes on our economy. I assure you: we are fully committed to tackling these security challenges,” he assured.