Former federal legislator Shehu Sani’s recent remarks on the status of the “minimum wage” in Nigeria have sparked a wave of reactions on social media. He claims that the matter is being disregarded, like to an unanswered voicemail.
Sani said, “Minimum wage has entered voicemail,” on his X handle. His comment soon gained popularity.
Funny enough, Sani’s remark underscores the frustration that many Nigerians have with the minimum wage, implying that it is being disregarded, like to an unanswered voicemail.
Many others found resonance in this sharply humorous statement, which sparked a flurry of responses from online users.
FG Asks Labour Not To Go On Strike Over Minimum Wage Bill
Sani received applause from several Twitter users for drawing attention to the predicament of workers who are barely making ends meet on the present minimum wage. Others took use of the occasion to voice their own annoyances with the administration and the glacial pace of economic reforms.
“Minimum wage has entered voicemail, but to use 650M to buy ticket for Travel is on. No problem” one user, @activeplayboi, commented.
Another user, @nsikool, added, “NLC exco dudes collected brown envelopes behind the scenes.”
Another netizen, @Nasirzugachi, also tweeted, “Our country leaders are not serious about the issue.”
@jidifeanyi, commented, “Labour has laboured in vain.”
FG Asks Labour Not To Go On Strike Over Minimum Wage Bill
@NairaRatesNews0, also wrote, “The labour leadership seems to be playing hide and seek with Nigerian workers. Nigerian Labour organisation seems to be the most useless Organisation in the world.”
In Nigeria, the minimum wage is still a contentious issue, with many arguing for a rise to keep up with the growing cost of living. This current discussion has been further energised by Sani’s comment, which serves as a reminder to all that workers’ issues must be addressed immediately.
Labour unions and the government are at odds over a new minimum wage.
On June 3, 2024, labour unions in Nigeria announced an indefinite strike that brought down critical industries such as government assemblies, banks, hospitals, airports, and the national grid.
The unions claimed that in light of growing inflation, the elimination of petrol subsidies, and currency unification initiatives, the existing 30,000 minimum salary is insufficient. Additionally, they condemned a few governors for disregarding the wage regulation that was in place at the time, which ran out in April 2024—five years after its enactment.
JUST IN: Nigerian Labour March To NASS Over Minimum Wage
Bola Tinubu formed a committee in January 2024 to bargain for a rise. Labour lowered its initial demand of ₦615,000 to ₦494,000. On the other hand, labour rejected proposals from the government and private sector, which ranged from ₦48,000 to ₦60,000. This rejection led to the strike.
George Akume, the Secretary to the Government, declared on June 3 that the President would agree to a salary exceeding ₦60,000 and a negotiation period of one week. On June 4, Labour called off the strike in order to talk again.
Both parties have been unable to come to a consensus, even though the administration has stated that it is committed to raising the offer.
It is unclear if the government would notice the growing wait and take the appropriate action to better the circumstances for Nigerian workers.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.