By Seyi Babalola
Workers under the aegis of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) have encouraged the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not to devalue the naira following the adoption of the new national minimum wage.
The forum stated this during a meeting on Sunday.
A communiqué released at the end of the meeting was signed and made accessible to reporters by the forum’s National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has been pushing for a new national minimum wage since the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS.
The forum, while applauding the Federal Government for the introduction of wage awards, enjoined the government not to devalue the naira after the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Emelieze also tasked the government to clear all outstanding arrears owed the federal workers and announce the new minimum wage on Workers Day, May 1, 2024.
“While we appreciate Mr President for the ₦35,000 wage award, we make bold to say that the ₦35,000 palliative did not solve the economic challenges faced by the federal government workers in Nigeria. It has been an hellish existence for the federal workers since the removal of subsidy on petrol and the subsequent devaluation of the naira.
“That the new national minimum wage takes off officially on April 1st, 2024 and that we expect the announcement of the new national minimum wage latest on Workers’ day May 1st, 2024.
“Our position is very clear, President Tinubu has promised a living wage, federal workers will not accept anything less. With the present cost of living crisis ₦300,000 which is not up to 1% of the President’s salary, will not be too much for a federal minimum wage.
“For daily survival, a worker will need an average of ₦2,000 daily transport and at least ₦2.000 per meal hence,a worker will be needing an average of ₦10,000 ( at around $1 per hour) to manage to survive daily.
“We call for justice, we demand for a decent, fair and just living wage for the federal work force. We will resist and reject anything less than a living wage. Our government should also not forget to clear all outstanding arrears owed the federal workers.
“The Federal government is also called upon not to in anyway devalue the naira after the implementation of the new national minimum wage. Federal workers have suffered enough, it is time to end poverty among the federal government workers,” he said.
