Minimum Wage Cannot Sustain Nigerian Workers, Retiring Pension Chief Warns

Mrs. Maria Nkereuwem Etukudoh, a retired senior pension officer in the Federal Civil Service, has warned that the current minimum wage is insufficient to sustain Nigerian workers due to rising costs of living. Speaking at her retirement reception in Abuja, Etukudoh called for the introduction of a living wage that reflects current economic conditions.

She highlighted the significant impact of increasing fuel and transportation costs on workers' ability to meet basic needs, even with their salaries. Etukudoh emphasized that inadequate remuneration not only affects workers' welfare but also their morale, commitment, and productivity. She urged the government to prioritize workers' welfare, arguing that a motivated workforce is crucial for efficient public administration and service delivery.

Etukudoh also drew attention to the challenges faced by retired workers, who often experience delays in receiving their pension benefits. She called for comprehensive reforms in pension administration to ensure timely payment of pensions and other retirement benefits, and urged pension administrators to treat retirees with dignity and compassion.

The retiring pension chief acknowledged the efforts made by the current administration to address some outstanding pension liabilities but expressed hope that such initiatives would be sustained and expanded. Etukudoh also lamented the poor working conditions in some government offices, advocating for the provision of basic working tools and decent office environments to improve efficiency and productivity in the public sector.