Organizational labor has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to keep his word to laborers in the wake of his New Year’s speech.
The President was asked to “walk the talk” in 2024 by the labor unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress.
Remember when President Tinubu pledged to establish a new national living wage for workers in 2024 during his speech?
In response, NLC Head of Information Benson Upah told The Punch in separate interviews that the higher minimum wage the president had promised is a legal requirement rather than a favor.
Upah said, “I have been in motion and have only seen the highlights of the speech. 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.
“Also note, payment of a new national minimum wage is not a favour. It is a statutory obligation.
“Our advice to the government is to walk the talk in 2024. Nigerians are tired of failed promises.”
On his part, the TUC’s vice-president, Tommy Etim, urged the President to fulfil his promises, saying Nigerians are tired of failed promises
“Our advice to the government is to walk the talk in 2024. Nigerians are tired of failed promises,” Etim said.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the President’s promises, describing his New Year speech as empty and uninspiring.
The opposition party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Monday, January 1, 2024, said the speech was a waste of Nigerians’ time because it did not address critical issues bedevilling the country.