From John Dike, Osogbo
Stakeholders in Osogbo, Nigeria, have emphasized that a living wage, rather than a minimum wage, is what is truly needed.
Dr. Ayo Olowu, Executive Director of the Centre for Good Governance, stressed that labour unions should focus on achieving a living wage by working with the government to reduce food costs through investments in agriculture, food production, and processing.
He also highlighted the need for regulation of food supply and sales, as well as investment in mortgage schemes for workers to own houses.
Comrade Emmanuel Olowu, State Committee Chairman for Defence of Human Rights, noted that minimum wage and inflation will persist without the justiciability of Chapter II of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.
He emphasized that labour unions must demand the justiciability of this chapter to address the root causes of inflation.
Public Affairs Analyst, Mr. Adetimehin Olumuyiwa, pointed out that relying solely on minimum wage increases without diversifying the economy and leveraging production will not solve the economic challenges.
He advocated for a massive drive in agriculture, provision of grants or loans, and subsidized farm equipment to stimulate economic growth.
In summary, stakeholders agree that a living wage, achieved through a combination of economic diversification, investment in agriculture, and regulation of food supply and housing, is the key to addressing the economic challenges facing Nigeria, rather than solely relying on minimum wage increases.
