…Calls for Equal Treatment with Judicial Officials
On Friday, Comrade Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reject any federal minimum wage offer below ₦250,000 per month.
Frank’s statement came in response to reports suggesting the Federal Government proposed a new minimum wage of ₦105,000 during ongoing negotiations. He emphasized that anything less than ₦250,000 is inadequate given the current socio-economic challenges in Nigeria.
In Abuja, Frank accused the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration of maintaining double standards in salary adjustments, arguing that the same considerations for judicial salaries should apply to Nigerian workers. He highlighted a recent bill proposed by President Tinubu, which seeks a 300% salary increase for various judicial officers, including Supreme Court and Appeal Court Justices.
The bill, quickly passed by both National Assembly chambers, now awaits the President’s assent. Frank criticized the disparity, pointing out that while judicial salaries are set to triple, the minimum wage remains at a meager ₦30,000, unadjusted for the past five years.
As the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank questioned the rationale behind the significant pay raise for the judiciary, suggesting it compensates them for politically favorable rulings. He argued that all branches of government should reduce their salaries to better support struggling workers.
Frank urged the NLC and TUC to firmly demand a living wage, encouraging them to make a lasting impact by refusing to compromise. He warned that failing to secure a fair wage would tarnish their legacy.
He reaffirmed that workers are essential to the nation’s economy, advocating for a living wage to enhance their productivity and commitment to national development.
