The Trade Union Congress, TUC, expressed its dissatisfaction with the federal and state governments for the delay in paying the workers’ wage award for March and April 2024.
TUC President Festus Osifo addressed the media after the National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja, highlighting the issue. Osifo emphasized that while the last wage award was paid in February 2024, the payments for March and April were still pending.
He urged the government to release the funds so that the wage award could be paid along with the salaries. Osifo also criticized certain states, such as Benue and Anambra, for their lack of attention to workers’ welfare.
Additionally, he mentioned that the recent increase in electricity tariffs was implemented hastily without following the necessary procedures and engaging stakeholders.
The TUC leader expressed concern over the delay in the Port Harcourt refinery’s operations, attributing it to the recent fuel queues seen in various parts of Nigeria. He emphasized the need for the government to prioritize getting the refinery up and running to alleviate the fuel scarcity issues being faced by citizens.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of addressing the insecurity challenges in the country, particularly in regions like Benue and Jos, where farmers are unable to cultivate their lands due to safety concerns. He stressed that boosting agricultural activities is crucial for stabilizing market prices and ensuring the availability of essential goods.
The TUC’s stance on the minimum wage was also made clear, with a strong emphasis on the role of increased wages in stimulating economic growth.
The leader urged the Minimum Wage Committee to expedite the process of determining a new minimum wage, emphasizing that enhanced purchasing power is essential for driving economic activity and preventing goods from stagnating on shelves.
