Taraba State chapter of the National Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Nigeria have expressed concern about the alarming cost of living in Nigeria.
Standing in solidarity with Nigerian workers, the groups in a press statement issued on Wednesday to journalists in Jalingo, through its state President, Fidelis Nashuka, called for an improved welfare package for Nigerian workers.
Acknowledging workers’ invaluable contributions to the nation’s growth and development the council said the ongoing hardship all over the country was uncalled for.
“We are deeply concerned about the alarming cost of living in Nigeria, which has severely eroded the purchasing power of workers’ salaries.
“We urge both the federal government, various state governments and labour unions to return to the negotiating table to discuss a reasonable and realistic living wage for civil servants.
“The current salary for most civil servants is grossly inadequate and fails to reflect the harsh economic realities,” they lamented.
They commended the Taraba State government for implementing the N30,000 minimum wage, payment of gratuity, declaring free education and sliding tuition fees in higher institutions.
They also encouraged labour unions to be proactive and creative in providing schemes for their members, such as keying into the state government’s health insurance scheme, prioritizing their wellbeing and improving their purchasing power.
“We call on the labour union to go back to the drawing board and renew their strength like an eagle.
“Due to the corruption and selfishness of the union leaders, the labour union has lost its voice and capacity to influence government policy and decisions, leading to the unfavourable conditions Nigerian workers face today,” the groups lamented.