- CASG urges NLC for pragmatic wage negotiations, considering economic challenges and President Tinubu’s commitment to resolving issues
- Kailani emphasizes balanced dialogue between NLC and government, considering financial constraints of state governments, amid criticism of opposition figures
The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups (CASG) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to adopt a pragmatic approach in its negotiations with the federal government to establish a feasible national minimum wage.
During a press conference in Abuja, CASG Director-General Prof Muhammad Kailani expressed concerns over NLC’s demand for a monthly minimum wage of N615,000, highlighting the nation’s economic challenges.
Kailani acknowledged Nigeria’s economic complexities, notably its unprecedented foreign debt burden. He emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to resolving this issue and urged a balanced approach to alleviate workers’ concerns while considering the nation’s economic realities.
While advocating for reasonable adjustments to the minimum wage, Kailani urged the NLC to engage in constructive dialogue with the government to address critical national issues.
He pointed out the financial constraints faced by some state governments and questioned their ability to meet the proposed N30,000 minimum wage.
Moreover, Kailani criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) for their unwarranted attacks on President Tinubu’s character and policies.
He appealed to these elder statesmen to adopt a statesmanlike approach and provide constructive input to President Tinubu, particularly during this pivotal period in Nigeria’s development.