Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the federal and state governments to muster the political will to recover looted funds and pay the proposed national minimum wage.
Falana's comments come amidst ongoing negotiations between the organized labor and the Nigerian government regarding the new minimum wage.
During a recent interview, Falana emphasized that the money to pay the minimum wage is available if the government takes decisive action to recover funds that have been looted or withheld from the federation account. He urged the government to prioritize the welfare of workers and fulfill its obligations to them.
The Tripartite Committee on the New Minimum Wage, which includes representatives from the government, labor unions, and employers, has been unable to reach a consensus on the new minimum wage.
The organized labor initially demanded N494,000, but later reduced its offer to N250,000, while the Federal Government increased its offer from N60,000 to N62,000.
The proposed minimum wage may face further delays as the National Assembly is currently on holiday until July 2. However, Falana stressed the importance of paying the minimum wage and urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to workers' welfare.
The issue of the minimum wage has been a contentious one in Nigeria, with many workers struggling to make ends meet due to rising inflation and the high cost of living.
The outcome of the negotiations between the organized labor and the government will have significant implications for millions of workers across the country.
As the debate continues, Falana's call for the recovery of looted funds to fund the minimum wage serves as a reminder of the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The government's ability to address these issues will be crucial in determining the future of workers' rights and welfare in Nigeria.
