Port Harcourt:  The Rivers State University of Science Technology (RSUST) branch of ASUU has warned Nigerians not be hasty in applauding the Federal Government on the proposed implementation of the minimum wage.

The Federal Government, after negotiating with Labour on Aug. 2, had agreed to pay the N18,000 minimum wage across board beginning from August.

The branch Chairman, Dr Felix Igwe,  on Monday in Port Harcourt, said government had a penchant for reneging on agreements.

“Nigerians should wait until Aug. 31 before they start heaping praises on the government,” he warned.

He described as unhealthy, government’s penchant for waiting until a threat of industrial action was issued before living up to its responsibility.

“It has become clear that governments at all level are not interested in the welfare of the people.

“If the government cared, there shouldn’t be need for further negotiation, especially as the minimum wage had become law,” he said.

He debunked claims that the N18,000 minimum wage would give rise to inflation in the country.

According to him, the review of the minimum wage from N7,500 to N18,000 was to enable workers to afford the basic things of life.

“An average worker has continuously been impoverished because; workers salaries had not been reviewed to relate with the current happenings in the society,” he said.

He said that rather than the claim for a likely inflation, government should put in place mechanisms to halt the inflation.

He, however, described the new minimum wage as “inadequate,” stressing that the country, with its natural and human resources, had the potential to pay workers N52,000.

“If government would cut down on corruption and wages of politicians, then, they can even afford N52,000 for workers due to the wealth that abound in the country,” he added.

He urged the federal and state governments not to fail on the implementation of the minimum wage in August as it had become law. (NAN)