Workers in the South-East region of Nigeria are hopeful about the implementation of the proposed N540,000 minimum wage starting from May 1. This was revealed by Mr Humphrey Nwafor, the chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the NLC, during a press briefing in Awka. The briefing was held to announce the week-long activities leading up to the May 1 Workers Day.
The proposed minimum wage was put forward by the workforce during the South-East Zonal hearing organised by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage in Enugu State. Mr Nwafor stated that labour leaders in the region are in continuous discussions with the government regarding this matter.
“We are hopeful that a new minimum wage would be announced by the president on May 1. We in the South-East had proposed a minimum wage of N540,000. We are optimistic of something good,” said Nwafor.
The week-long activities are aimed at promoting the image of the Congress and uniting the over 35 affiliate bodies. The activities include novelty matches among the affiliate bodies, medical outreaches, and a lecture on healthy living by the wife of the state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo.
“On 25-26, we’ll be visiting the prisons and also engage the MD of ASHIA, Dr Simeon Onyemechi who will be taking us on health awareness and other medical outreach, including eye check. The wife of the governor will be delivering a speech on healthy living at the NUT secretariat,” Nwafor added.
The grand finale of the sports activities will take place on April 27th, where the winners will be declared and trophies handed over to them. On April 30th, workers will visit Sabila and Lovebite facilities in Onitsha, culminating in a Gala night for the workers to unwind.
Nwafor further stated that these prelude activities to May 1 were part of his campaign promises. “During my campaigns, I promised to come up with programmes that will unite the workers and give them a sense of belonging and make them see ourselves as those contributing to the development of the state,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of unity among the workers, stating, “If we’re having an interface with the government, we’ll see ourselves as one, as there’s strength in unity. We want over 70,000 workers in the state to troop out en masse as I believe we have what it takes to place our demands on the table and they will listen to us.”
Nwafor concluded by saying, “We’re going to partner and cooperate with the government to move the state forward. We’re the engine house that facilitates government activities.”
