WORKERS DAY MESSAGE: Ensuring Fair Wages and Dignity in Labour
By Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba
Great Nigerian Workers!!!
Today is your day, our day. Workers are the threads that weave the fabric of progress and prosperity in society. On this International Workers’ Day, it’s imperative to reflect on the fundamental principle that workers deserve their wages. It is on this accord that I salute you.
This axiom is not just a moral imperative; it is the cornerstone of a just and equitable society. In fact and indeed, according to Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba “there is no good governance unless and untill the governed is positively impacted and directly too”. Be he a civil servant, be he a private servant, be he a public servant, be he a domestic servant, or a government appointee.
At the heart of my call for equitable and prompt wages lie the recognition of the intrinsic value of labour. Every individual who contributes their time, effort, and skills towards the betterment of society is entitled to receive just compensation for their work. This principle is enshrined in international labour laws, in infotech, in fintech, and forms the basis of social justice movements worldwide as “garbage in garbage out”.
One of the most pressing issues facing workers in Nigeria today is the challenge of maintaining purchasing power in the face of inflation and adversities. As prices rise, the real value of wages diminishes, placing an added burden on already strained workers and households. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of salaries, making it increasingly difficult for workers to afford the basic necessities of life, such as clothing, food, housing, education and healthcare.
Addressing the impact of inflation on wages requires proactive measures from both policymakers and employers. First and foremost, it necessitates the implementation of fair and transparent mechanisms for adjusting wages in line with inflationary trends. This ensures that workers are not left behind as the cost of living continues to rise. This is where the Edo example, and payment of pensioners by past and present Abia governments come handy. Be it in the use of Paris club refund by the past, or in the payment of one or nine month’s pension by the present as alleged. These are commendable signs.
In the global discourse on fair wages and the dignity of labour today, Edo State stands out as an exemplar of progressive policies that prioritize the well-being of workers. With a monthly minimum wage of N70,000, Edo State has demonstrated its commitment to valuing the contributions of its workforce and ensuring that they receive just compensation for their labour. This initiative not only uplifts workers economically but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in prioritizing fair wages.
However, amidst these positive strides, the plight of “uncaptured” workers in some States cannot go unnoticed this worker’s day. They serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that persist in ensuring fair treatment for all. Reports of endless biometric capturing, which effectively denies workers their rightful and timely wages and benefits, highlight the egregious exploitation and disregard for workers rights that continue to plague certain states.
The law is trite, “it is better for 99 criminals to go scot free than for one innocent person to be punished unjustly”. This is the law, and at the heart of our jurisprudence.
The situation in Abia State underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect workers from such injustices. Denying workers their wages through endless bureaucratic processes not only violates their basic rights but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. It is imperative that authorities in the State take swift and decisive action to address these issues and uphold the dignity of labour.
May I humbly advise: “every Abia Worker deserving of his wages should be paid monthly on bond or other forms of guarantee system while the wheel of biometric system continues to roll slowly and steadily, going forward”.
As we commemorate International Workers’ Day, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that all workers receive fair treatment, dignity, and respect in the workplace. And in return, workers must justify their wages. Only by standing in solidarity and advocating for systemic change can we create a future where every worker is valued, value added, and their rights upheld.
FORWARD EVER…..!
Happy Workers’ Day!
