The Federal Government has advised organised Labour to consider the broader economic implications of its push for an unrealistic national minimum wage.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who handed down the admonition on Wednesday, hinted that the N250,000 minimum wage demanded by labour could undermine the economy, lead to mass retrenchment of workers and jeopardize the welfare of Nigerians.
Idris who was speaking at the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja – restated the government’s dedication to re-assessing the minimum wage but cautioned against demands that could disrupt the economy.
Idris restated the government’s dedication to reassessing the minimum wage but cautioned against demands that could disrupt the economy.
The Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to alleviate the cost of living, citing initiatives like the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas programme aimed at reducing transportation expenses by 50 per cent.
While advocating wage increases, Idris stressed the importance of holistic relief measures beyond salary adjustments, urging Labour to recognize the significance of programmes like the CNG initiative in enhancing citizens’ purchasing power.