By Isyaku Ibrahim
Kano State Governor Engineer Abba Kabiru Yusuf has venerated the foresightedness of Nigeria’s president over constuting a committee to review the country’s Minimum Wage
He was speaking in a message at the zonal public hearing organised by tripartite committee on National Minimum Wage held in the metropolis
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, he explained that the habit showed clearly how serious the president was in improving the well being of ordinary Nigerians who depended largely on what they earn on monthly basis from Government coffers to feed their household
The Governor called for the collection of credible inputs that would by and large lead to the attainment of a fair and realistic National Minimum Wage for the betterment of entire workforce.
At the state level, he pointed out that they would not waste time in drafting the new scale being a worker friendly administration as soon as the matter becomes a history at the top level.
The Chief Executive, extolled the Committee for choosing the ancient city for the dialogue wishing them fruitful deliberations.
While Speaking his Katsina State Counterpart, Alhaji Dikko Umar Radda who spoke through the State Commissioner for Information Alhaji Musubahu Salisu Zango, saluted the courage and commitment of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration despite how the economy is biting harder but is doing its utmost in lessening the hardship on Nigerian workers describing the act as highly commendable.
He pointed out that as it is a known fact that cordial relationship exist between the present administration in the neighbouring state and workers the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage will not be an issue when things were finalized at the federal level.
Earlier, the Chairman of the zonal Committee, Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu, said the 37 member committee which was constituted by the president with equal representation from public and private circles, was shouldered with the responsibility of drawing a National Minimum Wage that would not go beyond the present economic status of the country
The Chairman explained similar gatherings were being held in other six geo political zones excluding Lagos and Enugu all with a view to drawing a genuine conclusion that will not be above the pocket of the Government.
He enjoined participants to feel free in expressing their suggestions and opinions in that direction as according to him their input is significant in achieving the goal of improving the well-being of one and all likewise the economy.
Alhaji Ahmed Rabiu used the platform to laud the chief host and other special guests that slipped their time to attend the event wishing them God speed back home.
In his address, the president of Nigeria Union of Pensioners Mr Benjamin Agbamise, decried the envy and jealousy that usually accompanied the paying of pension to the extent that some Governors regard its payment as a privileged rather than right describing such story as baseless and nothing to write home about.
He pointed out that as deliberations are on going on the increase of salary, retirees should not be forgotten as according to him they are birds of the same feather.
While in his speech, Mr Anthony Benjamin of National office of NLC who spoke through state Chairman of the Union Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, recommended two years rather than five years in reviewing the National Minimum wage.
He regretted how on most occasions discourse on increase wage causes animosity which he described as uncalled for as it is something that must be treated with respect and dignity as according to him workers are the machines of Government thus there must be rapport and mutual understanding and trust.
He however appeal to the ruling class to have the political will of making things practical aimed at improving confidence and hope from the broader condtituency.
While speaking , Comrade Nuhu Toro of TUC, represented by the secretary of the state unit of the outfit, Comrade Abdul Usman Yalo, said there is no case for alarm on the matter in view of the present challenges across the society which made increase of items necessary.
He pointed out that as there is cordial relationship between the duo, hence the need for drawing a logical conclusion that will be just and favourable to the sides.
The comrade saluted the present administration for matching words with actions in settling workers and pensioners entitlements and prayed the spectacular effort will be sustained as according to him Kano always lead while others follow.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of 485 thousand Naira proposal by NLC and that of 447 thousand Naira by TUC.
