Politics

See The Minimum Wage Senate Leader Urges Labour Unions to Accept

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 17th, 2024.

See The Minimum Wage Senate Leader Urges Labour Unions to Accept

By Henry Umoru

Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central under the APC, has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to accept the federal government’s proposed new minimum wage if it exceeds N60,000.

Senator Bamidele emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful negotiation as the government prepares to submit a bill to the National Assembly to formalize the new minimum wage. He appealed for a patriotic and unified approach from Nigerians during this socio-political transition.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message, issued through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele highlighted several achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He noted, “The federal government has offered N60,000, which is a 100 percent increase, but both the NLC and TUC have rejected this, leading to a two-day strike. The government is willing to make further concessions. I urge the labour unions to accept the new offer for the national interest. Our economy remains fragile, and we are implementing various measures to address economic challenges.”

Bamidele stressed the need for Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, to support the Tinubu administration to ensure a successful national transition. He assured that the government is committed to alleviating economic hardships and restoring national pride.

In the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir, Bamidele encouraged Muslims to emulate the love and good neighbourliness exemplified by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and to pray for the nation’s leaders to have the wisdom and understanding needed to navigate current economic challenges. He highlighted ongoing government projects such as the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the N50 Billion Pulako Initiative, and the annual recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel as indicators of the administration’s commitment to development.

He also mentioned recent initiatives like the state of emergency declared in agriculture, the launch of the National Agricultural Development Fund with N100 billion, the Dry Season Farming Initiative, and the Green Imperative Programme aimed at ensuring food security.

Bamidele concluded by urging all Nigerians to support and pray for the success of these projects under the 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to deliver substantial benefits in the remaining years of the current

administration.