BY OSCARLINE ONWUEMENYI
ABUJA –  A former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Pascal Bafyau, has called on state governors to implement the new Minimum wage in the interest of the workers who produced the wealth of the nation.

Bafyau, who spoke in Abuja, commended the National Assembly for the swiftness with which the N18, 000 minimum wage bill was passed, urged Nigerian workers to reciprocate through increased  productivity and patriotic candour towards a new and transformed Nigeria.

According to him, “the approval by the government is a manifestation of the understanding that those who produce the wealth of the nation should be entitled to such benefit. By this approval, the Federal government has demonstrated the roadmap of the vision to make life more meaningful to the average Nigerian worker.

Government has shown rare courage and tenacity of purpose in the determination to truly transform Nigeria.”

Bafyau , urged the State governments to implement the N18, 000 minimum wage for workers across board to improve harmonious relationship and increase productivity at all times.

He said, “The state governors should do the right thing by implementing the new minimum wage as approved by the National Assembly, so that workers across the country would, indeed, begin to enjoy the benefits of working in a democracy. It is only right to pay a living wage to people who work to keep the country moving forward at all times.”

The former NLC President  expressed optimism that the government would always be on the side of the people because it meant well for the nation, pointing out that, “it is only logical that the nation gives Mr. President the opportunity to make a positive difference in our lives. President Jonathan is focused and has shown unwavering commitment to the socio-economic and political transformation of Nigeria needed to get us out of the wood.”

“As a worker and former President of NLC, I can say with every amount of responsibility that we have seen a leader in our contemporary history who came from the blues ready to make a difference that would launch Nigeria to the greater height and occupy a pride of place in the international sphere.”