The Nigeria Labour Congress in Kebbi State has called on the state government to reconsider its decision to reverse payment of N18,000 minimum wage with all benefits to its workforce.
A statement by the state NLC Secretary, Kabiru Abba, on Sunday advised the state government to have a rethink over the issue as the payment of N18,000 minimum wage was in the interest of the workers.
He described them as major contributors to development and implementation of policies.
The News Agency Agency of Nigeria reports that the state government had on Friday rescinded its decision to pay fully the N18,000 minimum wage, citing inadequate funds.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Sani Kangiwa, said the payment of the new minimum wage would affect the monthly bill on pension, salaries, pension, gratuity, scholarship, students feeding, essential payments and provision of other services.
He said that of the N2.7 billion received from the Federation Account, N2.078 billion was spent on settlement of the essential payments.
The Punch
This minimum wage of N18,000 so to speak, is not even enough to carter for the affairs of a single person, let alone a married person with kids.
The minimum wage should even be on the increase and not the other way round.