Unrealistic wage ‘ll lead recession, chaos’, group warns against Unions’ demands

Nigerians have been urged to reject “unrealistic wage demands” by the Labour Unions and support what the government and private sector employers determine to be realistic and sustainable wages.

The call was made Tuesday in Abuja by the Concerned Nigeria Patroits (CNP), saying when a government is sabotaged, it is the masses who suffer the consequences.

While the government and the organised private sector had offered N62,000 as minimum wage, the Labour Unions insisted on N250,000.

Speaking at a press conference against the demands of the Labour Unions, the group led by its Chairman, Barrister Alfa Mohammed, said: “the recent demands for an unrealistic minimum wage by the coalition of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Labour Party (LP) pose a significant risk of plunging Nigeria into another recession, exacerbating the economic challenges that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has been diligently working to overcome.”

According to the Mohammed, their insistence on a minimum wage initially set at ₦605,000, then ₦494,000, and now ₦250,000, is part of a broader strategy to force the government into adopting an economically unfeasible policy.

The patriot group accused the Labour Unions and opposition Labour Party of forming a coalition to provoke public unrest and destabilize the government of President Bola Tinubu.

“This coalition’s agenda appears to be a deliberate attempt to provoke public unrest and destabilize the government. By advocating for a wage increase that is not financially viable, they risk inciting chaos and anarchy, which could undermine our hard-earned democracy. Their plan includes a total shutdown of essential infrastructure under the guise of fighting for a living wage, potentially crippling the nation’s economy and disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable citizens.

“It is important to note that this coalition, which supported Mr. Peter Obi in the last presidential election, is now inherently a threat to democracy or economic recovery. However, their apparent desperation to disrupt the current administration following their candidate’s loss to President Tinubu is concerning. This group, often referred to as the Obidients, has repeatedly mobilized protests, attempting to make the country ungovernable at every opportunity.”

While calling on all Nigerians, especially diligent workforce, to see through the veil of mischief, the group said such a wage hike would likely lead to severe inflation, increased unemployment, decreased productivity, and greater economic hardship.

“When a government is sabotaged, it is the masses who suffer the consequences. It is the responsibility of every citizen to support and pray for the success of our government, not to undermine it.

We call on fellow Nigerians to reject Unrealistic Wage Demands and support what the government and private sector employers determine to be realistic and sustainable wages.

“Oppose Disruptive Strikes and insist on dialogue, and reject strike actions aimed at destabilizing the government.

To President Tinubu and the ruling class, we recommend immediate introduction of policies to reduce inflation, particularly in food, transportation, medical, agriculture, and energy sectors.

“Provision of credit schemes for PMS-CNG conversion and CNG vehicle hire purchase.

“Funding for mechanized farming projects across all states, with a commodity board to manage excess produce.

“Intensification of technology use to address security challenges.

“Adoption of an austere recurrent expenditure budget reflecting the current economic situation.

“Exclusive use of locally assembled or manufactured vehicles for government officials.”