National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) yesterday put forth N350,000 proposal for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
This came amid ongoing negotiations between the organised labour and the federal government for a new minimum wage that is fair to workers in the wake of the current economic situation.
NAAT president, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma gave the proposal during the 5th NAAT National Delegates Conference in Abuja, which focused on the pivotal role of technology in national development and Socio-economic growth.
NAAT justified the proposed wage on escalating cost of living which it said will ensure that workers maintain a dignified standard of living.
The NAAT president pointed out the stark contrast between the wages in most African countries and the current state of the Nigerian worker, where he emphasised the necessity for a wage that provides dignity and a decent standard of living.
The association also shed light on the dire state of the nation’s economy, insecurity and poor infrastructure deficit, including the nature of bad roads, while advocating for immediate action to address the infrastructure deficit that threatens economic progress and public safety.
Nwokoma called for unity and collaboration to leverage technology for the nation’s development and socioeconomic growth, saying the conference aims to inspire robust discussions and innovative solutions to build a brighter future for Nigeria.
He said, “Seychelles boasts the highest estimated gross monthly wage in Africa, standing at $465.4, while South Africa’s monthly wage stands at $240. The naira equivalent of the wages of these countries would clearly depict the sorry state of the Nigerian worker. On this note, I proposed a minimum of Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N350, 000) for the Nigerian worker as monthly wage”.
Meanwhile, the minister of education, Prof Tahir Mamman has announced the federal government plans to introduce skills development and acquisition courses into the basic education curriculum.
According to the minister, skills development holds the key to solving the country’s unemployment crisis.
The minister who declared open, the 5th NAAT National Delegates Conference in Abuja spoke on the theme, “Technology, a Recipe for National Development and Socio-economic Growth in the Century”.
Speaking on the skills development, Prof Mamman said, “ We have already started all the arrangements, we have already established a national skills framework.
“We are hoping that by September this year we should be able to get on board to implement it, it’s a very massive intervention, all schools will have to implement it, public and private.”