…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized the need for better wages and remuneration for Nigerian workers.
This appeal comes in response to the recent removal of fuel subsidy, which has led to an increase in the prices of petrol and other commodities across the country.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Abbas highlighted that the current salary packages do not reflect the present economic realities.
The Need for Upward Review of Wages
Speaker Abbas called for an upward review of wages to ensure fair living conditions and enable workers to fulfill their responsibilities.
Drawing a comparison with the United Kingdom, he pointed out that laborers in London receive sufficient pay to cover rent, basic needs, and maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Such incentives reduce the need for workers to resort to borrowing, begging, or engaging in unlawful activities.
Inadequacy of Current Salary Levels
Abbas noted that the current earnings of the average Nigerian worker are insufficient even to purchase enough fuel to fill a car tank.
This disparity creates an unfavorable environment for combating corruption.
To effectively wage a war against corruption, an enabling atmosphere must be established where individuals can operate transparently, without resorting to theft, intimidation, or borrowing.
This, the Speaker argued, lays the foundation for necessary reforms.
Promoting an Enabling Environment for Corruption-Free Society
The Speaker stressed the importance of a functioning rule of law in order to tackle corruption effectively.
Establishing the rule of law will enable the implementation of crucial reforms aimed at fighting corruption.
Speaker Abbas further emphasized the need to create an environment where the average worker can earn enough to support their family, as this is instrumental in combating corruption.
Conclusion:
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, made a compelling case for improving wages and remuneration for Nigerian workers.
He highlighted the disparity between current salary levels and the cost of living, stressing the need for fair compensation that enables workers to fulfill their responsibilities without resorting to unlawful means.
Speaker Abbas emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment that promotes transparency and discourages corruption.