The approved minimum wage of N70,000 will not address the fundamental economic challenges being experienced by Nigerian Workers. Not even N250,000 will fix the economic conditions of the workers ! An increase in minimum wage without corresponding increase in productivity will amount to nothing!
A more fundamental approach is desirable at this critical period in our history . It seems to me that most people at the corridor of power do not understand the problem with Nigeria.
This approved minimum wage of N70,000 can only keep the workers in perpetual state of slavery and beggerly .
Our Political Leaders have not learnt anything from history and deceit game has continued since after the civil war.
Realistically, minimum wage should consider the cost of living such as food , accommodation , transportation, healthcare etc . NLC painstakingly , tabulated the variables that added up to their final demand figure. I have not seen how a least paid worker will survive with N70,000 per month! I have not also seen performance targets set for workers to earn performance bonus.
For clarity purpose , our feeding bottle federalism is the problem with Nigeria as a country . This present system started after the first military coup in Nigeria and the 1999 constitution as amended democratized the unitary constitution . The central government is overburdened with loads of activities that the high cost of servicing the unproductive ventures in the exclusive list of federal government becomes a big setback towards the march for development and advancement. This unproductive system must be dismantled immediately.
There are immediate actions to be taken by President Tinubu as listed below;
1.Return the control of all the natural resources to the States just as electricity business is returned to the States.
2. Make workers wages to be paid per hour. People can work in many places as they like. Determine the minimum amount to be paid per hour like N4000.
3. Return most ministries to the state like education, transportation, agriculture,works ,housing etc . So many federal ministries and agencies are just conduit pipes for diverting public funds .
4. Use creative means to ensure that indigenous engineers are running the 4 refineries we have and bring the price of crude oil products below N200.
5. Hire local mercenaries to fight bandits across the Country and ensure that farmers return to their farmlands with adequate incentives.
6. Retire all the public servants with unexplainable sources of income ( bvn will assist ) and ensure that resources are evenly distributed.
7. Ensure that all Nigerians are captured in National Identity card system within two months.There is no reason why unemployed Nigerian should not be receiving N100,000 monthly in his/her bank account.
8. Defend and stabilize naira using creative means . You cannot float naira when international trade is not favourable.
There are many other things a President who loves his people can do to create general happiness . This is if only those politicians in government can have change of heart and use the resources of the people for the welfare of the people .
Minimum wage of N70,000 will not solve any problem .
Ndubuisi Anaenugwu is the Ambassador -General of Good Governance Ministry
