President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has promised to provide Nigerian workers with a “living wage” that exceeds the minimum wage. In a statement issued on May 1, 2023, to mark the Workers’ Day celebration, Tinubu pledged to prioritize social and economic justice for all Nigerians, including working people, and to collaborate with labor unions to achieve these goals (Ajayi, 2023).
Tinubu’s commitment to a living wage reflects the growing recognition of the importance of fair compensation in ensuring workers’ well-being and productivity. A living wage is defined as the minimum income required for workers to meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare, without relying on public assistance (Global Living Wage Coalition, n.d.). It is typically higher than the minimum wage, which is the legal floor for wages in many countries, including Nigeria.
Tinubu’s emphasis on social justice and cooperation with labor unions also echoes the historical role of workers’ movements in advancing democratic and economic reforms in Nigeria. Since the 1940s, labor unions have played a vital role in advocating for workers’ rights and promoting social change, from the general strike of 1945 to the struggle for independence and the restoration of democracy in 1999 (Okolo, 2018).
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for A Better Nigeria outlines his vision for addressing key challenges facing the country, including poverty, education, healthcare, and security (Tinubu, 2023). His commitment to a living wage for workers is aligned with his broader agenda for inclusive and sustainable development, which seeks to empower all Nigerians to fulfill their potential and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
The pledge by Tinubu to provide a living wage to Nigerian workers reflects his commitment to social and economic justice, as well as his recognition of the importance of fair compensation in promoting workers’ well-being and productivity. By collaborating with labor unions and other stakeholders, Tinubu aims to build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria that benefits all its citizens.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/05/may-day-ill-increase-salary-pay-workers-living-wage-tinubu/