The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in their quest for an increase in the national minimum wage.
The NLC announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024, citing the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage above N60,000.
This decision follows unsuccessful negotiations between the government and organized labour.
Despite the government’s final offer of N60,000, which was recently increased from an initial N57,000, the labour unions deemed the proposal inadequate.
In a statement on Sunday, the NANS President, Pedro Obi, urged the government to respond promptly and favourably to the legitimate demands of Nigerian workers.
Obi highlighted the impact of economic challenges on the purchasing power of workers, stating, “The current economic realities have significantly eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker. Inflation, the rising cost of living, and the continuous devaluation of the naira have made it increasingly difficult for many families to meet their basic needs.”
Obi further emphasized the necessity of a living wage, saying, “It is within this context that the organized labour demands for a living wage become not only reasonable but also imperative.”
The youth and student population of Nigeria are directly affected by the welfare of their parents and guardians, who are predominantly workers and civil servants. An improved minimum wage would translate into better living conditions for millions of Nigerian families, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for students to focus on their education and personal development.
