By
Fidelis Jockthan.
The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Adamawa state Chapter has advocated for a N484,666.67k as minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
The Christian body also made a case for a unified basic salary structure for both the public and private sectors across the country.
The Acting Chairman of the Association Reverend Gambo Bupwatda who gave the position at the Zonal Public Hearings organized by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum wage at Government House Yola similarly recommended that, the Oronsonyi reports be implemented within the tiers of Government which will cut costs of governance.
He said food security policy should be adequately enforced adding that to enhance high productivity in public and private sectors, the workers need to be motivated for hardwork and honesty by re-introducing awards and prompt promotions.
Reverend Gambo Bupwatda who further recommended for a Uni-camera system of government that will cut costs of governance emphasized that workers should be train and retrain in their relevant areas of discipline.
While quoting the Provisions of item no.34 of the Exclusive Legislative list,part (1) legislative powers, second schedule of the 1991 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and section 5 of the National Minimum wage Act 2019 , the CAN Chairman based the Association’s presentation on economic, social, political and unemployment biting harder on the nation.
He argued that both the workers in public and private sector go to same markets, hospitals , transportation and wondered why the threatening gap in salary disparities.
He posited that the National Minimum wage template presented during the public hearings was based on high cost of food, medical, school fees, House rent and other utilities which is beyond the common Nigerian worker.
In attendance at public hearing were, the Executive Governor of Bauchi state, Senator Bala Mohamed, Deputy Governor of Adamawa state, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta,Heads of service of Borno,Yobe,Gombe and Taraba States as well as the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero who chaired the session.
About 18 selected associations presented their positions on the new National Minimum wage in the country.