Ilorin, July 23, 2024- The President of the Nigerian Workers Group (NWG), Dr. Kayode Ehindero, has urged the government to reduce working hours for civil servants in the country. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ehindero proposed that the new minimum wage should be applied to a four-hour workday rather than the standard eight hours.
Ehindero emphasized that this change would allow workers to use their extra time to engage in other ventures, thereby supplementing their income and coping with the economic challenges posed by inflation.
“NWG is disappointed over the newly announced minimum wage of N70,000 by President Bola Tinubu. This amount is inadequate and fails to meet the basic needs of the Nigerian working class,” Ehindero stated.
He argued that given the current economic hardships and rising inflation, a more practical solution is necessary. “We call on the Presidents of Labour Centers and Labour Unions to shift their focus from merely increasing wages to reducing working hours. The new minimum wage should be paid for 4 hours of productive work, not the standard eight hours,” he added.
Ehindero also stressed the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of workers, advocating for a better deal for them. He called on both the government and labour leaders to reconsider their approach and collaborate to enhance workers’ livelihoods.
This call for reduced working hours comes amidst ongoing debates and concerns about the adequacy of the new minimum wage in addressing the financial needs of Nigerian workers.
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