In the aftermath of President Bola Tinubu’s New Year speech, where he pledged to implement a new national living wage for workers in 2024, organized labor, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has issued a stern warning to the President. The unions are calling on Tinubu to live up to his promises and fulfill the expectations of the working class in the coming year.
President Tinubu’s commitment to a new national living wage was met with skepticism by the labor unions. Benson Upah, the Head of Information at NLC, emphasized in separate interviews with ThePunch that the new minimum wage is not a mere favor from the government but a statutory obligation. He expressed concern over the government’s track record of promise breaches, stating, “Nonetheless, this government in its short life has acquired a reputation for keeping its promises in breach. In light of this, we are sleeping with both eyes open.”
Upah underscored the significance of the promised national minimum wage, emphasizing that it is a legal obligation rather than a discretionary gesture. He added, “Payment of a new national minimum wage is not a favor. It is a statutory obligation. Our advice to the government is to walk the talk in 2024. Nigerians are tired of failed promises.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Tommy Etim, the TUC’s vice-president, stressed the weariness of Nigerians with unfulfilled promises. “Our advice to the government is to walk the talk in 2024. Nigerians are tired of failed promises,” Etim remarked, highlighting the urgency for tangible actions to match the President’s assurances.
Amidst the labor unions’ concerns, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Tinubu’s New Year speech, characterizing it as empty and uninspiring. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the opposition party, released a statement on January 1, 2024, contending that the President’s address failed to address critical issues afflicting the nation.
The PDP’s statement emphasized the disappointment felt by Nigerians who expected the President’s speech to provide solutions to pressing challenges. Ologunagba declared the speech a “waste of Nigerians’ time” and lamented its failure to tackle crucial issues affecting the country. The opposition party’s critique adds another layer of scrutiny to President Tinubu’s pledges, questioning the substance and impact of his proposed measures.
As the labor unions and opposition party converge in their dissatisfaction, the spotlight is on President Tinubu to translate his promises into tangible actions. The coming year holds the key to whether the President can deliver on his commitment to a new national living wage and address the broader challenges facing the nation. The eyes of the Nigerian workforce and citizens, fatigued by unfulfilled promises, remain vigilant, demanding accountability and tangible improvements in their living conditions.
