The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has asserted that the Federal Government discontinued the payment of the N35,000 minimum wage after the first month, despite having the necessary revenue to fulfill the commitment.
Festus Osifo, the President of the TUC, conveyed this claim during an interview with Arise Television on Monday. According to the TUC, the government ceased the 6-month wage award payment promised to workers after the initial disbursement.
Osifo highlighted that the government possesses ample revenues to meet the union’s demands but lacks the will to implement the agreed-upon measures. He stated, “It is not because they don’t have revenue, but it is the will for them to actually do what is right.”
In response to this, the TUC presented a 10-point agenda to President Bola Tinubu as part of their demands to the federal government. Osifo emphasized the need for sincere implementation and accountability, noting that some provisions in the agreement reached with the government had not been fully executed.
He pointed out, “It is left for government to tell us the reason why they have not taken that document to court, it’s left for them. But for us, our responsibility is to hold them accountable to be sure and certain that every statement in that agreement as agreed with them must be implemented.”
The TUC president linked the demands in the 10-point agenda to the challenges faced by the average Nigerian, including the impact of inflation, the removal of fuel subsidy, and other economic difficulties. He urged the government to address these issues, stating, “This government must sit down, buckle its belt, and address the issues that are affecting Nigerians.”
