Minimum wage: Tambuwal urges dialogue to resolve impasse

From JOSHUA I. EGBODO, Abuja
Posted: Thursday, July 7, 2011

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has called for effective dialogue among stakeholders as a way out of the lingering crisis between the organised labour and government on the 18, 000 Naira new minimum wage.
The organised labour under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had last week at a press conference, issued a two-week ultimatum to government to commence the implementation of the new minimum wage law, or face a nation-wide strike.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday Tambuwal added that there was the need for the stakeholders to engage workers in constructive dialogue with a view to address the minimum wage dispute.
According to Tambuwal, everything possible within the powers of the parliament would be done to ensure that the issue is resolved before the end of the ultimatum issued by labour, noting that the country cannot afford any industrial action that may disturb the economy.
Labour had noted in its threat that the state governors were bound to pay the new minimum wage, since it was backed by an Act of the parliament, saying that it was unacceptable for the governors to demand for the removal of petroleum subsidy, and a review of the revenue allocation formula in favour of the states before they could pay the new wage.
He called for a better approach on the matter, stating that the House under him would in conjunction with the Senate, meet the concerned parties to resolve the dispute amicably.
His words; "We have begun consultations over the issue. I can assure you that we will do everything possible to engage the organised Labour and other parties in constructive dialogue to resolve the minimum wage issue.
"The issue is very sensitive and as the representatives of the people, we will go the extra mile to ensure that the issue is addressed. The House under my able leadership will in conjunction with the Senate meet the parties and resolve the issue amicably."And I can assure you that we will address the issue before the end of the 14-day ultimatum just as all hands are on deck to resolve the dispute for the progress and development of the country," he said.