NANS asks FG to accept Labour demands on Minimum Wage: says Nigerian Students and Youths Directly Affected by Economic Realities

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to accept the demands and position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on the new national minimum wage. This is coming on the heels of a proposed indefinite strike action to commence on Monday 3rd June 2024 by the Unions following the inability of the Federal Government and NLC to reach an agreement on the new minimum wage.

In a statement issued by the National President of NANS, Pedro Obi on Sunday 2nd June 2024 and made available to this medium, the apex Students Body urged the Federal government to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers while also developing a sustainable wage structure that reflects the current economic realities, in which Nigerian students and youths are at the receiving end, given that most of their parents and guardians are civil servants.

Part of the statement reads “The current economic realities have significantly eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker. Inflation, rising cost of living, and the continuous devaluation of the naira have made it increasingly difficult for many families to meet their basic needs. It is within this context that the organized Labour demands for a living wage become not only reasonable but also imperative.”

“The youth and student population of Nigeria are directly affected by the welfare of our parents and guardians, who are predominantly workers and civil servants. An improved minimum wage would translate into better living conditions for millions of Nigerian families, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for students to focus on their education and personal development.”

The Students Body therefore called on the Federal Government to:
“Engage in Constructive Dialogue:
We urge the government to engage the Labour Union in constructive and meaningful negotiations aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial agreement on the minimum wage.”

“1. Prioritize Workers’ Welfare: Recognize the critical role that Nigerian workers play in the development of our nation and prioritize their welfare in policy-making decisions.”

“2. Implement a Sustainable Wage Policy; Establish a sustainable and fair wage policy that reflects the current economic realities and is regularly reviewed to keep pace with inflation and cost of living adjustments.”

Adding that “NANS believes that a prompt resolution to this issue is vital for maintaining industrial harmony and ensuring that our educational institutions continue to function without disruptions. We stand ready to support the Labour movement and the Nigerian workers in their quest for a fair and just wage.”

They additionally called on all students, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to lend their voices to this cause and to advocate for a just resolution that ensures the dignity and well-being of every Nigerian worker.”

The full statement is presented as received;

NANS CALLS ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT LABOUR DEMANDS ON MINIMUM WAGE

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) stands in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in their call for an increase in the national minimum wage. We urge the Federal Government to respond promptly and favorably to the legitimate demands of Nigerian workers.

The current economic realities have significantly eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker. Inflation, rising cost of living, and the continuous devaluation of the naira have made it increasingly difficult for many families to meet their basic needs. It is within this context that the organized Labour demands for a living wage become not only reasonable but also imperative.

The youth and student population of Nigeria are directly affected by the welfare of our parents and guardians, who are predominantly workers and civil servants. An improved minimum wage would translate into better living conditions for millions of Nigerian families, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for students to focus on their education and personal development.

We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to:
Engage in Constructive Dialogue:
We urge the government to engage the Labour Union in constructive and meaningful negotiations aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial agreement on the minimum wage.

1. Prioritize Workers’ Welfare: Recognize the critical role that Nigerian workers play in the development of our nation and prioritize their welfare in policy-making decisions.
2. Implement a Sustainable Wage Policy; Establish a sustainable and fair wage policy that reflects the current economic realities and is regularly reviewed to keep pace with inflation and cost of living adjustments.

NANS believes that a prompt resolution to this issue is vital for maintaining industrial harmony and ensuring that our educational institutions continue to function without disruptions. We stand ready to support the Labour movement and the Nigerian workers in their quest for a fair and just wage.

We call on all students, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to lend their voices to this cause and to advocate for a just resolution that ensures the dignity and well-being of every Nigerian worker.

Pedro Obi,
NANS President
2/06/2024