NANS Tackles Fayemi Over Submission On New Minimum Wage

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has sharply criticized Kayode Fayemi, the former governor of Ekiti State, for his recent remarks suggesting that state governments should have the autonomy to negotiate new minimum wage agreements with labor unions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Senate’s National Clerk Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo condemned Fayemi’s stance, arguing that it undermines the rights of workers.

Plateau News reports that the Federal Government and labor unions have been in discussions for several weeks regarding the new minimum wage.

Labor unions are demanding N250,000, whereas the government is proposing N62,000.

During a recent interview, Kayode Fayemi, the former governor of Ekiti State, suggested that states should have the autonomy to set their own minimum wage based on their unique circumstances.

Fayemi’s suggestion has not been well received by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The student union urged the Federal Government to disregard Fayemi’s stance and to ensure that state governors enforce the new minimum wage once it is enacted.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Senate’s National Clerk Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo criticized Fayemi’s remarks as inappropriate and potentially divisive, warning that they could create a significant rift between state governors, the Federal Government, and Nigerian workers.

His words read: “We want to urge the Federal government to ignore former governor Kayode Fayemi and his call for a decentralised minimum wage negotiation with the labour.

“In fact, we want the Federal government to compel State governors to pay the new minimum wage if signed into law and mete out serious sanction and punishment to any State governor who defaults in the payment of the new minimum wage.

“It is dangerous and unproductive to allow State governors to determine what they can pay as minimum wage. This can spell doom for Nigeria and set the governors against the Federal government.”

Plateau News reports that under the leadership of Pedro Obi, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has supported labor unions in their calls for an increase in the minimum wage.

The student union emphasized that Nigerian students are dedicated to continuously supporting and motivating the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its efforts to restore the nation’s former prestige and create a favorable environment for Nigerians, encouraging them to thrive and pursue their lives and careers safely within the country.

NANS further stated that it is imperative for both the Federal and State governments to prioritize the well-being of workers and enact policies aimed at enhancing the living standards of Nigerians.