The Nigerian Union of Journalists has appealed to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Governors Forum to expedite discussions on approving a new minimum wage, to enable Nigerians cope with the current economic challenges.
National President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo made the appeal during the union’s quarterly National Executive Council meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
For some time, the leadership of organised Labour has been engaged in negotiations with the federal government regarding the implementation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
They are demanding a wage that is substantial enough to alleviate the economic hardships faced by the average Nigerian worker as they initially demanded a minimum wage of N615,000, later reduced to N494,000 and now to N250,000.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union of Journalists is holding its quarterly National Executive Council meeting in Ibadan, where members and leadership are gathered to discuss pressing issues related to national development.
The NUJ president advised the government to take proactive steps to address the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, stressing that global inflation should not be an excuse for not taking prompt action.
The event was declared open by Governor Seyi Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for Works.
He believes the meeting is timely as the government is open to any suggestions proposed by the media practitioners for the good of the state.
The NUJ demand underscores the need for the government to act quickly to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers during this challenging period.