Raise workers’ salaries now – TUC urges FG

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to promptly raise the salaries of federal employees, rather than waiting for the subsequent review of the national minimum wage. Speaking to journalists in Abuja after a meeting of the union’s National Administrative Executive Council, TUC President Festus Osifo advocated for immediate action.

Osifo clarified that the national minimum wage serves as the minimum pay an employer must provide workers and should not impede the government or employers from offering higher wages. He emphasized that the government could enhance workers' welfare without the need for a new Minimum Wage Act. Osifo pointed out that numerous private sector employers already pay above the statutory minimum, particularly for workers with specialized skills and increased responsibilities.

Examples cited included banks, food and beverage firms, and oil and gas companies, whose salaries are generally tied to the value of the jobs rather than the minimum wage. Furthermore, Osifo suggested that the government could address workers' allowances independently of the minimum wage structure. The TUC president also mentioned that the union has been in discussions with government officials, including the Minister of Finance and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, regarding measures to improve workers' welfare.

Osifo urged the government to take immediate steps to alleviate the economic strain on workers instead of postponing action until the next minimum wage review.