Workers under the auspices of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government against devaluing the naira following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
The forum’s stance, articulated in a communiqué signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, highlights the importance of maintaining the currency’s value amidst wage adjustments.
While commending the government for its wage initiative, the FWF also calls for the settlement of outstanding arrears owed to federal workers and proposes announcing the new minimum wage on Workers Day, May 1, 2024.
“While we appreciate Mr President for the ₦35,000 wage award, we make bold to say that the ₦35,000 palliative did not solve the economic challenges faced by the federal government workers in Nigeria. It has been an hellish existence for the federal workers since the removal of subsidy on petrol and the subsequent devaluation of the naira.
“That the new national minimum wage takes off officially on April 1st, 2024 and that we expect the announcement of the new national minimum wage latest on Workers’ day May 1st, 2024.
“Our position is very clear, President Tinubu has promised a living wage, federal workers will not accept anything less. With the present cost of living crisis ₦300,000 which is not up to 1% of the President’s salary, will not be too much for a federal minimum wage.
“For daily survival, a worker will need an average of ₦2,000 daily transport and at least ₦2.000 per meal hence,a worker will be needing an average of ₦10,000 ( at around $1 per hour) to manage to survive daily.
“We call for justice, we demand for a decent, fair and just living wage for the federal work force. We will resist and reject anything less than a living wage. Our government should also not forget to clear all outstanding arrears owed the federal workers.
“The Federal government is also called upon not to in anyway devalue the naira after the implementation of the new national minimum wage. Federal workers have suffered enough, it is time to end poverty among the federal government workers,” he said.
