The former President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwahed Omar has commended the president for signing the new minimum wage bill in to law, which no doubt would improved the workers’ welfare across the country.
He made the commendation over the weekend in Abuja, in a telephone chat with our correspondent. He expressed delight that, at least, the efforts of the organised labour and other relevant stakeholders, who participated at the various levels of the struggle, in several capacities and adhoc committees deliberations leading to the actualisation of the process were not in vain.
Omar was quoted to have stated that “Today the much awaited salary increment for the Nigerian workers is now a reality. Having signed the bill in to law, Mr. President has demonstrated his desire and commitment for the improvement in the general welfare of Nigerian workers across board.”
The fact that the bill has now become a law in the country, having been transformed in to an act, through all the legislative procedures and sealed in, by appending the president’s signature, it is now necessary for state governments, local governments and private organisations to implement all the provisions contain there in, including the section that made it compulsory for all employers of labour to pay not less than 30,000 Naira as minimum wage.
He equally, commended the swift acceptance of some state governors who promised to implement the act immediately and called on the remaining states governors to also follow suite, in order to avoid unnecessary disputes and strike actions by workers.
Comdrade Omar reaffirms his belief that his primary constituency, that is the Nigerian workers will reciprocate the gesture by discharging their duties with more diligence, commitment and professionalism.
