As workers celebrate globally on May 1, the House of Representatives Minority Caucus has commended Nigerian workers for their sacrifices, and contribution to national development urging the federal government to address growing economic challenges and pay a living wage.
This was contained in a solidarity message in released by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa, Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Madaki and the Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi, on behalf of the House
Minority Caucus in commemoration of the May Day.
The caucus felicitated Nigerian workers for their critical role as a major contributor to national growth and development.
“Today, gives us another opportunity to have sincere reflections, and objective introspection about the state of the nation; and acknowledge that the Nigerian workforce, being the engine room have collectively given its best in the circumstances.
“The caucus notes with serious concerns the disturbing social, economic, and political situations which are not only fearful, but also stifling the personal development of our people, particularly the workers.
“From galloping inflation to debilitating hunger, overarching hardship, and corrosive poverty, the Nigerian worker has been the main victims of these and more negative indices,” the House Minority Caucus said.
It expressed deep concerns about the decline of the economy, renewed insecurity, accentuating job losses, and numerous other indices of under-development which are affecting the performances of workers in maximally carrying out their functions as the backbone of government activities.
“The caucus urges federal government to take deliberate actions towards instilling confidence in workers.
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“Also, there must be pro-active, and intentional decisions by the federal government in not just addressing these negative issues but seeking ingenious ways towards improving the remuneration, welfare packages, and other incentives of Nigerian workers who are entitled to living wage and not minimum wage.
“Conscious of the fact that true nationhood is a collective, and continuous task, the caucus enjoins the federal government to relate with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other relevant workers associations as major stakeholders in every efforts towards re-building, and re-positioning the country.
“Also, these labour bodies and others that are umbrella institutions for all Nigerian workers should show commitment, and considerations by collaborating effectively with the federal government where and when necessary.
“As a responsive and responsible group, the caucus is confident that when all stakeholders harness our strengths, Nigeria will progress from being a nation with enormous potential to one that will assume her rightful position among the comity of nations,” the minority caucus added.
