By Adebayo Yusuf
A former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Professor Omotoye Olorode, has called on federal government to review the Minimum Wage Act (Amendment) 2024 to accommodate the welfare of all Nigerian workers.
Professor Olorode made the call as the Guest Lecturer at the 1st quadrennial delegates conference of Trade Union Congress, Oyo state council held at International Conference Centre, Ibadan.
Speaking on the theme “The Impact of Inflation on Workers’ Wages and Living Standard in Nigeria: Intervention Point of Labour Movement and Government”, Professor Olorode said part of the act set some limitations on workers welfare, especially the part where it does not apply to employers with fewer than 25 employees.
Professor Olorode berated the part of the act as it allows some employers avoid the payment of minimum since their workforce is not up to 25 employees.
Earlier, Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde said as part of his commitment toward workers welfare in the state, he has approved 13th month salary for workers in the state.
Represent by his Special Adviser on Labour Related Matters, Comrade Adebayo Titilola-sodo, Governor Makinde called for more industrial harmony from members of Oyo TUC.
Earlier, President, TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, represented by the Acting Deputy Secretary General of the union, Comrade Olawunmi Jimoh urged government at all levels to act decisively to address the current impact of inflation on Nigeria workers.
Comrade Osifo reiterated the union’s position on the removal of fuel subsidy as ill timing.
Earlier in his speech, Oyo TUC Chairman, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi while thanking all the partner of the union in the state, queried federal government approach to workers welfare during the hyper-inflation and unstable economy bedeviling the country due to government policies and corruption.
Comrade Olabiyi however reiterated the union’s support to PENGGASSAN position’s on Dangote Refinery stand on the sacking of 800 workers for exercising their right as a worker and opposed the move by the Dangote refinery.
At the second segment of the conference, Comrade Olabiyi was reelected as Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Oyo state council.
Comrade Olabiyi, who went to the polls unopposed, was declared winner during the election conducted at the 1st quadrennial delegates conference of the union in Ibadan.
The Acting Deputy Secretary General of the union, Comrade Olawunmi Jimoh who was the returning officer for the election, swore in the new executives.
Comrade Olabiyi who lauded the national body of the union for the smooth conduct of the election, reiterated his commitment towards the development of the union.
Comrade Olabiyi appreciated the members for their cooperation and promised to double his efforts.
The elected members include Comrade Ranti Oluwemimo as Vice chairman, Comrade Babatunde Balogun as State Secretary, Comrade Abioye Emmanuel as Treasurer, Comrade Fatokun Ebenezer as Auditor, Comrade Olufemi Adewumi as PRO, Comrade Funmilayo Sotuminu as Chairperson Women Commission and Comrade Desmond Oguntuga as Financial Secretary
Others include Comrade Toyin Adedokun – Secretary Women Commission, Comrade Taiwo Alao as Assistant Secretary and Comrade Olabampe Oladayo – Ex-officio member
Dignitaries present at the event include, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo state council, Comrade Kayode Martins, Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, Comrade Seun Olanipekun and other labour leaders in the state.
