Lagos Archbishop Urges Buhari To Increase Minimum Wage

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The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Martins has urged the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers in his administration.

Speaking in Lagos, in his May Day message, signed by the Director of Social Communications, Gabriel Osu, Martins asked for an upward review of the N18,000 minimum wage being paid to Nigerian workers.

“When you consider the depreciating value of our local currency against the dollar and the high inflation level in the land, it is obvious that the prevailing minimum wage is far from being adequate for our workers.

“They deserve a better deal. I, therefore, urge the incoming administration to take another look at the minimum wage with the intention of making it more realistic and dignifying,” he said.

The cleric praised the nation’s workforce for their resilience over the years. He admonished them not to give up as better days lie ahead.

The Archbishop, however, expressed worry over the high rate of unemployment amongst the youth. He said that the battle against corruption would remain fruitless if the rate of unemployment in the society was not reduced drastically.

He also appealed to Buhari to make the prompt payment of pensions and gratuities of retired workers a priority.

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