My administration remains committed to your welfare, Tinubu assures workers

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerian workers that his administration remains dedicated to improving their welfare as well as enhancing their working conditions and providing the necessary tools for them to succeed.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Wednesday in commemoration of this years’ workers day, President Tinubu promised better living and working conditions for all Nigerians of working age.

He maintained that the custodians of the nation’s machinery deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare.

The post read, “I heartily congratulate Nigerian workers on the auspicious occasion of Workers’ Day, held annually to celebrate the lifeblood of our country. I salute Nigerian workers for their fidelity to the peace, progress, and development of the nation, evident in their tireless efforts and patriotic zeal to keep the national engine running.

“I celebrate Nigerian workers across all spheres—from the clerical officer who ensures the proper documentation and distribution of correspondence; the security officer who remains ever dutiful through all seasons; the teacher who secures the future of our nation by imparting knowledge to the next generation; the doctor who works relentlessly to save precious lives, and to all Nigerian workers who keep the candle aflame.

“I affirm that my administration remains committed to improving the welfare of all workers, noting the various relief programmes, including the wage award and the imminent minimum wage review.

“I strongly believe that the custodians of the nation’s machinery deserve a fair wage and enhanced welfare, and that a labourer is deserving of not just any reward but fair and commensurate wages.

“I assure Nigerian workers of my dedication to not only improving their welfare but also enhancing their working conditions and providing the necessary tools for them to succeed. I wish Nigerian workers a Happy May Day celebration.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said that although the Tripartite Committee On National Minimum Wage is yet to conclude its negotiations, workers will not lose anything as the new minimum wage will take effect from May 1, 2024.

The Minister of State Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stated this on Wednesday while addressing Nigerian workers at the May Day celebration in Abuja.

She said it is regrettable that the new national minimum wage is not ready before today, but that a wide consultation is ongoing to ensure that the document is out together as soon as possible.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have continually urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to hasten the upward review of wage awards.

Recently, the Organised Labour demanded N615,000 as the new minimum wage for workers to cope with the many economic realities and high cost of living in Nigeria after insisting that the current N30,000 minimum wage can no longer carter for their needs.

The current Minimum Wage Act of N30,000 was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

The Act is to be reviewed every five years to meet with contemporary economic demands of workers.