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The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has dismissed the advice of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the organized labour not to settle for anything less than N120,000 as a minimum wage while ignoring Zamfara state which still pays N8,000 as minimum wage.
NAN described the PDP’s recommendation as discredited, contradictory, and complicated. Additionally, NAN has raised concerns about Zamfara state continuing to pay only N8,000 as the minimum wage, emphasizing the need for fair and equal wages across all regions.
Salihu Suleiman, Chairman of NAN, noted in his statement, “It is unfortunate and ridiculous that in the midst of the ongoing agitation for a new minimum wage by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the PDP would come up with such a blatant one-sided suggestion.”
Suleiman further highlighted that the advice raises critical questions about the PDP’s credibility and moral high ground, particularly given the current situation of primary school teachers in Zamfara, a state controlled by the PDP. “This advice, while apparently ill-intentioned, raises questions of credibility and moral high ground, especially when considering the situation of primary school teachers in Zamfara, a PDP-controlled state,” Suleiman said.
NAN expressed deep concern over the alarming disparity in wages, pointing out that primary school teachers in Zamfara are still receiving a mere N8,000 as a minimum wage long after the national minimum wage was raised to N30,000.
“The glaring disparity between the recommended minimum wage by the PDP and the actual wage being paid to workers in their own state raises serious concerns about the party’s commitment to the welfare of the working class,” Suleiman added.
Suleiman accused the PDP of using minimum wage advocacy as a tool for political point-scoring against the ruling APC government, which has proposed a minimum wage of N60,000.
“The PDP’s urging for a higher minimum wage across the country, while turning a blind eye to the suffering of primary school teachers in Zamfara, is hypocritical and self-serving. It is evident that their advice to the NLC is more about political point-scoring against the ruling APC government, which has proposed a minimum wage of N60,000.
This political posturing overlooks the real struggles faced by workers on the ground.”
Furthermore, the refusal of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State to implement the current N30,000 national minimum wage for primary school teachers is seen by NAN as not only unjust but also a blatant disregard for the welfare of these essential workers.
“Despite the efforts of the NLC to persuade Governor Lawal to review the salaries of teachers, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. This indifference to the plight of workers highlights the disconnect between Governor Lawal’s political rhetoric and practical action on the ground,” Suleiman stated.
NAN called for a more conscientious and action-oriented approach from political parties. “In light of this situation, it is imperative for political parties like the PDP to address the discrepancies within their own territories before offering lofty advice to the rest of the country.
The welfare of workers should be a priority for all parties, regardless of political affiliations. It is time for the PDP to show genuine concern for the working class by taking concrete steps to ensure fair wages and working conditions in states under their control,” Suleiman urged.
The issue of minimum wage in Nigeria is intricate and requires thoughtful, compassionate solutions. “Political parties must demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of workers by advocating for fair wages and holding accountable those who fail to uphold these standards.
The plight of primary school teachers in Zamfara is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action and solidarity in the fight for economic justice,” Suleiman concluded.
South South Times . 