The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has called on state governments to promptly implement the new national minimum wage to enhance the standard of living across the country.
Joshua Apebo, the ASCSN Secretary-General, made this appeal during the union’s national delegates conference held on Monday in Lagos.
Mr. Apebo emphasized that adopting the new minimum wage would significantly increase the purchasing power of many Nigerians, thereby stimulating a more vibrant economy.
“It is equally important that consequential adjustments be made, as is the customary practice, to ensure that no grade level of workers is disadvantaged,” he stated. “We also urge the government to consider indexing income to inflation, a policy recommended years ago by a committee but yet to be implemented.”
In addition to advocating for the minimum wage, Mr. Apebo highlighted the need to restore gratuity payments to public service employees in treasury-funded ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). He noted that the Pension Reform Act (PRA) of 2004 has been silent on the issue of gratuity for these workers.
“Since the Act’s implementation, public service employees in treasury-funded MDAs, along with their counterparts in states that have not adopted the new pension scheme, have not received any form of gratuity,” Mr. Apebo explained. “Meanwhile, private sector workers and employees in non-treasury-funded, revenue-generating MDAs, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, continue to receive gratuity from their employers despite the 2004 PRA.”
He urged the government to restore gratuity payments to public service employees in treasury-funded MDAs without further delay.
At the delegates’ conference, Shehu Muhammed, the former ASCSN Kaduna branch chairman, was elected as the new ASCSN national president. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Muhammed prioritized improving members’ welfare, particularly in terms of their take-home pay.
“A worker in Nigeria today supports at least two to four dependents. Therefore, our demand for a living wage is essential to address this burden,” Mr. Muhammed said. “This will go a long way in tackling the hunger and discontent among the youth, many of whom are the children of workers in both the public and private sectors.”
He stressed that addressing workers’ issues would have a significant impact on the national economy. “By ensuring a living wage, we can mitigate hunger and other social vices,” he added.
In his remarks, Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, praised the ASCSN for its commitment to its members’ welfare.
“I firmly believe that the leaders we elect will work in the best interests of our members, rather than for personal gain,” Mr. Osifo stated. “Rest assured, the TUC will fully support the ASCSN, as supporting you means supporting our broader membership and ensuring their welfare is adequately protected.”
