The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Bola Tinubu-led administration to heed the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for an increase in the national minimum wage.
Pedro Obi, the president of NANS, issued a statement over the weekend stating that the current economic conditions, characterized by rampant inflation, the rising cost of living, and the continuous devaluation of the naira, have severely impacted the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.
“We urge the Federal Government to respond promptly and favorably to the legitimate demands of Nigerian workers,” the statement read. “The current economic realities have significantly eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker. Inflation, rising cost of living, and the continuous devaluation of the naira have made it increasingly difficult for many families to meet their basic needs.”
NANS stated the direct impact of workers’ welfare on the youth and student population. The association argued that an improved minimum wage would enhance the living conditions of millions of Nigerian families, thereby creating a more conducive environment for students to focus on their education and personal development.
The students’ body outlined several key recommendations for the Federal Government:
Engage in Constructive Dialogue: NANS urged the government to engage the Labour Union in meaningful negotiations aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial agreement on the minimum wage.
Prioritize Workers’ Welfare: Recognize the critical role that Nigerian workers play in the nation’s development and prioritize their welfare in policy-making decisions.
Implement a Sustainable Wage Policy: Establish a sustainable and fair wage policy that reflects current economic realities and is regularly reviewed to keep pace with inflation and cost of living adjustments.
