MINILS DG Urges Wage Increase for State Workers Amid Inflation
Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin
The Director General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in Ilorin, Comrade Issa Aremu, has advocated for an upward revision of wages for workers across various states, aligning them with the standards set for federal employees.
Comrade Aremu emphasised the importance of heeding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent call for prompt implementation of this wage adjustment, recognising its significance in alleviating the prevalent hardships in the nation.
The MINILS Director General made the call during the Third Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Muslim community of MINILS, where he addressed the theme “The role of Islam in poverty alleviation in a changing and challenging society.”
He emphasised the fundamental right of workers to a living wage, which is essential for their well-being and sustainability.
Both the federal and state governments commenced implementation of wage awards for their employees in the wake of fuel subsidy withdrawal, which precipitated a hike in the prices of goods and services.
However, Aremu, while identifying Ramadan as a period to reflect and be spiritually devoted, appealed to each stratum of government to initiate compassionate policies that would help the needy.
“Ramadan is a period I always look forward to; it is a moment of reflection and spiritual devotion. That we are alive to witness this year’s Ramadan, we need to thank Allah,” he said.
Senegal election
Speaking on the seamless transition of power in Senegal, the MINILS Director General felicitated the new Senegalese President, Bassirou Faye, and described democracy as the best form of government, irrespective of the attendant challenges.
“We congratulate new President of Senegal, Bassirou Faye, on his successful election and inauguration. It was a peaceful transition, which shows that democracy is a government of the people. Regardless of challenges with democracy, it is capable of self-renewal, bringing changes in a peaceful way.
“Some African countries experienced military intervention recently, they should return to democracy. There is no shortcut to power,” Aremu said.
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In his lecture, the Dean, Faculty of Humanity and Social Sciences at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Oladimeji, said failure of the people to adhere to the laid down rules of engagement in Allah’s scripture was responsible for the challenges bedevilling the world.
He, however, admonished leaders to use the sacred month of Ramadan to show mercy, while the wealthy should endeavour to assist the less privileged in the society.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Ramadan Lecture Organizing Committee of MINILS Muslim community, Alhaji Ibrahim Akeyede, noted that the theme of the event was apt and timely given that Nigeria was undergoing challenging moment as a result of government’s decisions.
He expressed optimism that the benefits of government policy would materialize positively and called for patience and understanding of the citizenry.
Meanwhile, the Director General also commiserated with the labour movement on the death of the 2nd President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Alhaji Ali Chiroma who died recently and has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
He posthumously commended Alhaji Chiroma for what he called an “audacious defence of the independence of trade unions notwithstanding the oppression of military dictatorship in the 90s.”
He said the best tribute to the late labour icon would be for trade unions to struggle for the deepening of democracy, adding that only democracy allows for freedom of association and assembly.
