The Nigeria Labour Congress National Head of Information, Benso Ukpa has conveyed a somber perspective on the proposed minimum wage of N70,000 from the Federal Government. He emphasized that the new offer was far from a true victory.
He noted that Labour leaders are currently consulting with their respective organizations to deliberate further on the matter. Despite the new offer, he stressed that 70,000 does not adequately address the economic realities faced by the populace. He highlighted the insufficiency of diplomatic language in alleviating hunger and economic hardship. He pointed out that the solidarity song sung after the meeting is a traditional gesture and that it does not imply that Labour was delighted with what was offered to them.
He said in an interview with Arise TV from 7:04, “‘We are sober because what was offered cannot be described as a victory. Even our national leaders are taking what they have been told to their appropriate organs this morning, they will be taking it for further deliberation and consultation. We are taking this on a sober mood because given the realities of our economy, 70,000 is not it and it will not be it. And no kind words and no diplomatic language can take the place of hunger.
There is no disconnect between me and what my President has said. If you listen to him, he said we are taking this with a heavy heart. The solidarity song that they sang there after the meeting was a song that we sing whether good or bad. And we always cap it with the saying that the struggle continue. The discussion virtually deadlocked on 62,009 and here was Mr President saying okay I’m going to add something. But of course, he was not the first President to do this? I do remember when one or two President did this kind of mark up. So the President added 8000 with other incentives.”….Seë_Morë