The decision of President Bola Tinubu to increase the wage of Nigerian workers is commendable, though the reason is to assuage the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, not to embark on their planned strike.
Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” has long grappled with economic challenges despite its vast natural resources and potential for greatness. Among the many pressing issues, inflation has consistently eroded the purchasing power of Nigerians, leading to increased hardship for millions. The provisional wage award of N35,000 for federal government workers serves as a temporary band-aid for a much deeper wound.
In a nation blessed with abundant resources, it is disheartening to see many of its citizens living on the fringes of poverty, struggling to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. A worker collecting N30,000 10 years ago when petrol was N85 per litre and a bag of rice was N10,000 is still collecting the same salary when these commodities have more than quadrupled.
The reality is that the fleeting increased wage is not enough to ensure a decent standard of living for a significant portion of the population.
Many countries in Africa, like Ghana and South Africa, have implemented more generous compensation packages for their public servants, leaving out Nigeria, which claims to be the “Giant of Africa.”
Obviously, the permanent wage increase is not just a matter of addressing inflation but a necessary step towards recognising the value of Nigerian workers. Beyond providing immediate relief, a permanent wage increase can contribute to enhanced job satisfaction, increased productivity, and, most importantly, a reduction in the temptation for corrupt practices.
Therefore, President Tinubu should make the increased wage permanent for a fair and dignified life for the nation’s workforce, who labour for the country. Though the path to permanence will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, it is worth pursuing.
Muhammad Yasir Garba,
Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri
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