The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has asked the National Assembly to work with the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage to establish processes for regular and organised assessment of wage levels to ensure they align with inflation and the cost of living.
In a goodwill message at the national retreat on “Labour reforms and the quest for a living wage in Nigeria: A focus on legislative interventions” organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero urged the lawmakers to revise and modernise the labour laws to match today’s economy and safeguard the people.
He said,” This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair labour practices.
“We call on the National Assembly to join us in calling on the executive to transmit to the Assembly the bill on the reviewed labour administration laws which had gone through the tripartite process some years back but seemed to have been impounded by the executive.
“NASS should work with the tripartite to establish mechanisms for regular and systematic review of wage levels to ensure they keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.
” Workers are not beggars neither are they slaves. We create wealth and we deserve a healthy portion of it.
“The present angst in the country can only be assuaged by reasonable income to Nigerian people and workers.”
The NLC President urged lawmakers to strengthen social security systems to provide a safety net for workers during crucial times of unemployment, health emergencies, and economic hardship.
Ajaero urged lawmakers to find ways to create legislation that promotes effective communication among the government, employers, and labour unions to ensure that policies are fair, balanced, and adequately meet the needs of all parties involved.
“The legislature should make laws that encourage continuous investment in education and vocational training to equip our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic and evolving job market,” he said