Civil Servants laud body over move for an increase in minimum wage

A cross section of civil servants in Abuja on Wednesday lauded the Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) move in demanding for increase in the minimum wage, from N18,000.00 to N50,000.00.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that civil servants in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government in the FCT were unanimous in their request for the review of the minimum wage.

They also described the demand for the increase as a welcome development.

He said that the NLC should engage the government meaningfully in pursuing the demand for the review, noting that the high cost of goods in the FCT was lamentable.

Nnenna Okechukwu, another civil servant, called on the Federal Government to listen to the NLC’s demand and come out with an acceptable minimum wage for workers.

"I live in a two bedroom flat where I pay N700,000.00 per annum and my monthly salary as a level 9 officer is just a little above N70,000.00.

"This has caused me serious pain as I have to look for other means to pay the house rent," she said.

Mr Bode Towoju, a politician, said that it was normal for civil servant to demand for an increase wage, adding that a responsible government would initiate dialogue to forestall any industrial action.

He said that in line with the current inflation and the devaluation of the Naira, coupled with the fact that the purchasing power of workers has also reduced, the Federal Government should do something.

The President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, on August 6 demanded for a review of the N18,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government.

Wabba said that the Nigerian workers should be treated fairly by reviewing their salary upward in line with the present economic realities