The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has asked the federal government to increase the minimum wage of Nigerian workers by 300 percent.
The union made the demand in a communique jointly signed by
Ambali Olatunji, its national president, and Isah Gambo, its general secretary,
at the end of its regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday,
in Abuja.
Olatunji said the 300 percent raise has become imperative due to inflation caused by the removal of the subsidy.
He said considering the overbearing posture of state governors on local councils, there was need for a state-of-emergency
declaration on local government administration.
This, Olatunji explained, would address issues bordering on the decay in
infrastructure, poverty and unemployment across local governments in the
country.
The Nulge boss also added that the federal government should create a special intervention fund to address social welfare.
The proposed fund, according to him, should be able to cater for projects and programmes.
He suggested that considering the state of insecurity that had affected food production in the country, the local government administration should be assisted to establish a special vigilante to protect farmers.
Olatunji also urged the government to utilise the $800 million from the World Bank to provide mass transit and other interventions.
“This will discourage importation, alternate energy provision (CNG), vocational skill acquisition centers for youth and women,” he said.
Olatunji also advised the federal government to give tax rebate/holiday to low income earners and small scale entrepreneurs, as a way of encouraging and sustaining their businesses.
“It is the conviction of the union that autonomy for local governments remains the best way to return the country to the part of development and growth.
“This will translate to the direct funding of local governments without which no genuine national development can be achieved”, he concluded.
