From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
Kwara State workers, under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have called on the state government to quickly constitute the minimum wage committee to implement a new minimum wage for workers.
Speaking at the May Day celebration in Ilorin on Wednesday, NLC Chairman Comrade Muritala Saheed Olayinka and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Olufemi, emphasized the importance of gender inclusivity in the committee.
Olayinka appealed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to set an example as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum by implementing the federal government’s minimum wage when it is passed into law.
“We urge the government to quickly constitute the Minimum Wage Committee, which should take cognizance of gender,” Olayinka said. “We also request the implementation of the federal government’s minimum wage when it is passed into law, setting an example as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.”
The workers also urged the state government to continue providing palliatives to Kwara state citizens.
Olufemi, the TUC state caretaker chairman, requested the immediate formation and inauguration of the state Minimum Wage Committee before the president’s pronouncement on the minimum wage.
He acknowledged the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the welfare of Nigerians and the ongoing efforts to adjust workers’ salaries.
“We believe that the committees will consider economic indices and provide Nigerian workers with an enhanced minimum wage package,” Olufemi said.
Governor Abdulrazaq, in his May Day speech, promised workers another minimum wage increase once all processes are completed.
“We will continue to review our responses within current realities, including the implementation of another minimum wage as soon as all processes have been concluded,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of workers to the state’s development and the challenges faced due to the fuel subsidy removal. He highlighted the government’s efforts to mitigate these challenges, including the introduction of a monthly transport support, staggered working days, and various promotion and welfare packages.
The governor expressed his appreciation for the support, understanding, and resilience of Kwara workers and their commitment to the state’s development.