JUST IN: SERAP Backs NLC On Minimum Wages, Sends Powerful Message To President Tinubu; See What Was Announced
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has recently communicated to President Bola Tinubu regarding the proposed minimum wage recommendations, asserting their alignment with international standards and urging adherence to Nigeria’s commitments on workers’ rights to a decent living wage.
This follows President Tinubu’s pledge during his Democracy Day address to forward the new national minimum wage proposal to the National Assembly for approval, subsequent to the receipt of recommendations from the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The Federal Government’ s stance, articulated through Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, underscored its dedication to establishing a sustainable minimum wage that considers broader economic implications and avoids potential job losses. However, it has deemed organized labour’s demand of N497, 000 as unrealistic and not in alignment with its fiscal responsibilities.
In response, SERAP, represented by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare in a letter dated June 15, 2024, expressed grave concerns over the inadequacy of the proposed minimum wage in meeting international human rights standards ratified by Nigeria. The organization emphasized the imperative for any executive bill to ensure a living wage for Nigerian workers, highlighting the persistent poverty among workers despite employment due to insufficient wages and inadequate social security measures.
The letter from SERAP cautioned that any legislative enactment falling short of these international standards would prompt legal action to enforce compliance in the public interest. It stressed that upholding these standards is not merely a charitable act but a legal obligation crucial for safeguarding the dignity and purchasing power of Nigerian workers.
“In light of Nigeria’ s international human rights obligations, SERAP contends that the proposed minimum wage level outlined in the executive bill fails to meet the standards required for decent living conditions,” stated Oluwadare. “Millions of Nigerian workers continue to grapple with poverty exacerbated by inadequate wages and a lack of social security.
The organization’ s letter also pointed out the historical neglect of these guarantees by successive governments and urged the administration to rectify this through legislative action that aligns with international norms. It reiterated that a failure to do so would prompt SERAP to pursue legal remedies to ensure compliance with international human rights standards regarding workers’ rights.
The discourse underscores a pivotal moment in Nigeria’ s labor relations, where the balance between economic sustainability and equitable remuneration for workers is under scrutiny. As stakeholders await further developments, the debate on the minimum wage issue is poised to influence broader policy directions on economic justice and social welfare in the country.
