An Industrial Relations and Personnel Management expert, Prof. Ismaila Kadiri, has advised the Federal Government to review upward the current minimum wage to reflect cost of living.
Kadiri of the Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, University of Ilorin, gave the advice while delivering the institution’s 296th Inaugural Lecture on Thursday in Ilorin.
The lecture has as its topic, “Let My Wage Take Me Home: Issues and Controversies”.
Kadiri said that there was need to increase the minimum wage to a level that reflects the true cost of living to ensure that all workers could afford basic necessities.
He noted that the increment in minimum wage was achievable through a joint negotiation and agreement by all actors in the industrial relations system.
The expert explained that industrial relations focuses on the management of the relationships that exist among actors in the labour industry.
“These are the government and its agencies, the employers and their association and the employees and their unions.
“These may include the call for workers to join the organisation, steady and continuous progress on the job, exit, and life after work.
“This starts with job listing, advertisement, interview shortlist, employment, promotion, and retirement.
“Other issues also include employee motivation, disciplinary procedures, and disengagement,” he said.
Kadiri called for strengthening social safety nets, such as healthcare, housing assistance, and food security programmes to support individuals and families during financial hardship.
He said that programmes presently in place by the Nigerian government should be energised to meet the current global challenges.
NAN
