Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige
The Organized Labour has reacted to the comment made by the
Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, concerning the
much-talked minimum wage yesterday.
Ngige had after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting on
Wednesday said the tripartite committee was yet to reach an agreement on
a particular figure.
Labour said the minister lied, insisting that it is rather
unfortunate and sad that Ngige could make those statements to Nigerian.
The Organized Labour made this known in a joint statement issued by
the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the
President of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, and the
United Labour Congress (ULC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The Organised Labour said the Tripartite committee actually reached
a conclusion after its work and adopted a specific figure through a
motion that was moved, seconded and adopted at the meeting.
“The Tripartite Committee concluded its work, adopted a figure
through a formal motion moved, seconded and adopted In the absence of
any counter motion,” the statement said.
“Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the
Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige claiming that no
amount has been agreed by the Tripartite Committee recommendation to
government. The report Further claimed that the Minister said that
government was still negotiating with Labour. It is rather unfortunate
and sad if Indeed, the Minister made those statements.
“For the avoidance of doubt, organised labour representatives
Wish to state unequivocally that the Tripartite Committee concluded is
work, adopted a figure through a formal motion moved, seconded and
adopted In the absence of any counter motion.
“This was after a thorough debate of a report from the
subcommittee figure, chaired by Senator Ngige himself which presented
four scenarios for consideration.
“The subcommittee worked on the basis of a figure proposed by
the Federal Government, figures proposed by a number of state
government: as well as proposals submitted by the Organised Private
Sector and Organised Labour.
“The Committee formally adjourned its sitting with a decision
that a date will be communicated to members for the signing of the
report and submission of same to Mr President.
“Organised Labour, therefore frowns at the manipulation and
bending of facts in an attempt to delay or derail the processes needed
to promulgate a new National Minimum Wage.
“We call on the government to take immediate necessary steps to
ensure the enactment of a new National Minimum Wage as we cannot
guarantee Industrial peace and harmony.”