The Nigerian Workers Group (NWG) has called for a reduction in working hours for civil servants across the country.
Kayode Ehindero, the group’s president, made this appeal in Ilorin on Monday, emphasizing that the new minimum wage should cover a maximum of four hours of productive work instead of the current eight hours.
Ehindero argued that this reduction would allow workers to utilize their time for other ventures, thereby augmenting their finances to cope with economic demands and inflationary pressures.
“The NWG is disappointed with the recently announced minimum wage of ₦70,000 by President Bola Tinubu,” Ehindero stated. “This amount is insufficient and fails to meet the basic needs of the Nigerian working class.”
Given the country’s harsh economic conditions and rising inflation, the NWG believes a more reasonable approach is necessary.
“We urge the leaders of labour centres and unions to shift their focus from merely increasing wages to reducing working hours,” Ehindero said. “The new minimum wage should compensate for 4 hours of productive work, not the standard eight.”
He emphasized that workers deserve better treatment and that the government must prioritize their welfare. Ehindero called on the government and labour leaders to reconsider their approach and collaborate to enhance workers’ livelihoods.
NAN
