FG urged to implement minimum wage law.

Opposition parties demand that the federal government honour its agreement with labour

Frank Ohwofa, the National Chairman, Freedom Party of Nigeria (FPN), has urged the federal government to honour its agreement with labour unions by implementing the national minimum wage. 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened to embark on a three-day warning strike to press for the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage. 

Owhofa said in Abuja on Monday that the government was going against the law it enacted by the non-implementation of the law, and advised government to choose its priorities right to ensure a better standard of living for workers. 

“I will advise government at all levels to honour every line of its agreement concerning the implementation of the Act,” he said. “We want sincerity on national issues, especially those bordering on improved condition of lives of all Nigerians.’’ 

According to him, Freedom Party has on its agenda, the payment of N50, 000 as minimum wage to a Nigerian worker. 

On its part, the Democratic People’s party (DPP) expressed support for the labour unions’ plan for strike if government failed to honour its agreement on the national minimum wage law.

Mohammed Danazumi, the National Secretary of the party, said the minimum wage law is binding on government. He said the party will join the strike to ensure the economic emancipation of Nigerian workers.

Mohammed Shittu, the National Secretary, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), urged the labour unions to continue with dialogue and shelve the impending strike. He said the strike will paralyse the nation’s economic activities and discourage foreign investors. 

He advised the labour leaders to consider the position of the government as it has accepted to implement the minimum wage law. “The federal and state governments have agreed to pay, I will advise the labour to consider dialogue as possible means of achieving success,” he said.

He called for patience with the new administration, noting that it was too early to begin strike against the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.