The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have declared their support for organized labour’s demand for an increase in the minimum wage for workers.
During their meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, the PDP governors expressed concern over the prolonged nature of the wage negotiations and emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue amidst widespread economic hardship.
In a communique read by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, the governors highlighted the following points:
Support for Labour’s Demand: The PDP governors fully support the demand for a salary increase by labour unions, acknowledging the severe economic challenges facing the majority of Nigerians.
They stated, “The labour demand for salary raise is eminently justified and commands the total support of the forum.”
Consideration of Payment Ability: The governors stressed the importance of considering the financial capacity of various levels of government—state, federal, and local—when determining the new minimum wage.
They emphasized that any agreement should be realistic and sustainable.
Appeal for Restraint: The PDP governors urged all parties involved in the negotiations to exercise restraint in their actions and statements to prevent escalating tensions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order and further harm the economy.
Criticism of APC Economic Policies: The PDP governors blamed the economic difficulties on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, accusing it of implementing flawed economic policies that have exacerbated the country’s financial woes.
Governor Bala Mohammed stated, “The minimum wage negotiation is becoming unduly protracted in the face of the unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the majority of the people. All negotiations are ongoing. We appeal for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately the collapse of the economy.”
The PDP governors’ support for the wage increase comes amidst growing pressure on the government to address the economic challenges faced by workers and the general populace.
Their call for a balanced approach to the negotiations reflects an effort to ensure that any wage adjustments are both fair to workers and feasible for governments to implement.