The Federal Government has hinted that a pay raise is likely for workers in the public service to cushion the effect of the global economic downturn.
The government acknowledged yesterday that inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers who are on N30, 000 minimum monthly wage.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige dropped the hint at the public presentation of a compendium of ‘Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at 40’ publication titled: “Contemporary history of working class struggles,” in Abuja.
Ngige said: “The inflation is worldwide. We shall adjust the minimum wage in conformity with what is happening and much more importantly, the 2019 Minimum Wage Act has a new clause for a review.”
He added, “that adjustment has started with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) because at the stage they are with their primary employers, the Ministry of Education, there is Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).”
He spoke after Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo noted that workers have been subjugated and oppressed by the ruling class.
There is a concern, however, that the government’s consideration for the minimum wage review may be a hoax as it may be an exercise in futility because many states are not able to pay the existing wage.
