Minimum wage: Finding a peaceful solution – Our Security, Our Peace By Prof. O.E Bassey

Monday, Jun 3, 2024, across the country is no public holiday, but workers from different sectors are forced to stay back home as the country’s labour union locks horns with the government on what is an acceptable minimum wage given the current realities in the country.

For months on end, especially since the President Bola Tinubu’s administration came into power, there have been series of meetings, threats, promises and protests regarding a new minimum wage with the Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress obstinate on a N494,000 peg. The Federal Government, on the other hand, has only been able to propose N60,000 which is a distant cry from what the Labour Union is holding out for. The failure of both parties to reach a consensus has led to the comatose to be witnessed both in the public and private sector from today till no man knows.

There is no doubt that the NLC is on a good course given the current economic demands in the country where the minimum standard of living for the common man has spiked astronomically yet his wage remains the same as of 2019. Hence, the push for the government to raise the pay of the average worker in Nigeria to thrive within the current economic tides. On the part of the government, they seem to understand the basis for the demand of NLC, and have taken steps to raise the minimum wage from N30,000 to N60,000 – a hundred per cent increase – but see their purported best offer falling far below what the NLC want. According to the government, their proposed offer of N60,000 was based on prevailing economic considerations and government non-monetary incentives. Some of the non-monetary incentives include: One hundred billion naira for the procurement of CNG-fuelled busses and CNG conversion kits. 125-billion-naira conditional grant and financial inclusion to MSMEs; N25,000 each to be shared with 15 million households for three months. 185 billion palliatives (loans to States) to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. One trillion naira for student loans for higher education. Release of 42,000 metric tons of grains from strategic reserves. Purchase and onward distribution of 60,000 metric tons of Rice from the rice millers association. Others are: recent salary increase of 25-35 per cent on all consolidated Salary structures for federal workers. Ninety per cent subsidy on health costs for Federal Civil Servants registered on NHIS. Light rail was commissioned in Abuja to relieve transportation costs till the end of the year.  Lagos State had already commenced the same initiative with their Blue and Red lines.

But in all this, the NLC has stuck to their demands as they seek better welfare for Nigerians amid the increase in electricity tariff and the high cost of living. Now, we are left with an industrial action after all efforts between both parties to reach an agreement failed. This result does not go without consequence that further exacerbates the social and economic difficulties in the country, such that in an attempt to solve a particular problem, we are creating more problems that could be avoided.

In this light, the two parties need to get their acts together, and reach a consensus that takes into account the utmost interest of Nigerians whose welfare must not be taken for granted. There must be middle grounds, shifts, transparency, concessions and willingness, all without losing sight of Nigerians who should be at the center of the negotiations. The government should not fold their hands and allow this fester to the detriment of the feeble economy and volatile society. The NLC, on its part, should also consider what is feasible with the current economic situation, and negotiate on such data for the interest of Nigerians. The goal on the negotiation table is not always an outright win but a win you can take home and be proud of.

Joshua 2:14: So the men said to her, “Our life for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when the Lord gives us the land that we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October, 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old as young, women and children in various places from corporate organisations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets and communities.

It is in our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.

So this is a call-to-action, to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, your congregation with contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.

Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a beneficiary of this.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace and Security Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

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WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com