Complete Minimum Wage Process Or Risk Workers Unrest, SSANIP Tells Federal Gov’t

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has called on the Federal Government to urgently conclude the process for the new national minimum wage to prevent potential workers unrest.

The appeal was made during the 72nd General Executive Council (GEC) meeting held at Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, SSANIP expressed dismay at the Federal and State Governments’ slow pace in finalising the new minimum wage law, which needed to be updated as the current one expired since April 18, 2024.

The association warned that failure to address the issue promptly could lead to workers’ unrest, which will be detrimental to the country’s economic progress.

In the communique signed by the SSANIP National President, Comrade Philip Ogunsipe, and its National Secretary, Comrade Nura Shehu Gaya, on Thursday, the association lauded the efforts of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in negotiating the new wage and urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his promise of providing Nigerian workers with a living wage.

During the meeting, SSANIP discussed various issues impacting the polytechnic sector and its members, and expressed concerns over national security, economic conditions while calling for urgent economic policy reforms to alleviate the hardships being faced by Nigerians.

Additionally, SSANIP acknowledged the efforts of the Head of Service of the Federation and the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in approving a new unified scheme of service for polytechnics. However, they noted that certain areas needed further refinement for the document to be fully effective.

The council also thanked the Federal Government for the 25/35% wage increase implemented earlier this year but urged state governments to extend the same increase to state-owned polytechnics and colleges of technology, with a special commendation for Ekiti State for already doing so.

SSANIP further called for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja, similar to the federal university, to enhance technological education.

They equally demanded the prompt payment of arrears of the wage award promised by the government as a palliative measure.

The communique reads in parts, “Council in session observed with dismay the sluggish and recalcitrant attitude of the Federal/State Governments on the conclusion of the New National Minimum Wage law as the existing one expires on 18th April, 2024.

“Thus, it call upon the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency conclude the process in the interest of Nigeria workers in order to avoid unnecessary workers unrest that may be inimical to the economic progress of the country. Council in session appreciated the efforts of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) negotiating team so far and aligned with their position on the New Minimum Wage.

“However, council in session wish to remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that on assumption of duty, he promised Nigerian workers a Living Wage and not Minimum Wage. Council therefore enjoined him to honour his words and give Nigerian workers a living wage.”