In the midst of a nationwide debate over minimum wage, Father Ejike Mbaka, the outspoken Catholic priest and spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), has called for fairness and equality in remuneration for Nigerian workers. Expressing concern over the plight of the masses amidst economic hardships, Father Mbaka has issued a stern warning against escalating tensions, urging President Tinubu to consider the repercussions of ignoring the demands of the labour force.
Father Mbaka’s impassioned plea comes at a critical juncture as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) continue negotiations with the federal government regarding a new minimum wage. The recent offer of N62,000 by President Tinubu’s administration has sparked mixed reactions, with Nigerian governors resisting the proposal, citing financial constraints.
In an exclusive interview with AIT on Saturday, June 8, Father Mbaka reiterated his stance, advocating for parity in wages across all sectors of government. He emphasized that governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives should also be subject to the proposed N62,000 minimum wage, emphasizing the principle of fairness and equity.
Highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting the grievances of the labour force, Father Mbaka warned against the possibility of civil unrest. Reflecting on recent protests that disrupted airport operations, he expressed apprehension about the growing discontent among Nigerians, cautioning against pushing the populace to the brink of rebellion.
Furthermore, Father Mbaka condemned the disparity in earnings between public officials and ordinary citizens, denouncing the lavish allowances and privileges enjoyed by politicians. He questioned the morality of accumulating wealth at the expense of the masses, urging for a systemic overhaul to address systemic inequality.
Quoting Father Mbaka directly, he stated: “If we decide to give labour N60,000 or N62,000, why not generalize it to the house of assembly members, senatorial members, house of representative members, and governors? All of them are civil servants. So, are the others slaves? I cannot imagine why somebody can be amassing billions and billions as sitting allowance, wardrobe allowance, newspaper allowance, vehicle allowance and what they call suffering allowance.”
Experts have weighed in on Father Mbaka’s assertions, acknowledging the merit of his arguments while cautioning against the complexities of implementing such reforms. Dr. Adebayo Johnson, an economist, emphasized the importance of addressing income inequality to foster social cohesion and economic stability. He stressed the need for comprehensive policies that prioritize the welfare of all citizens, including public servants.
However, Dr. Johnson also highlighted the practical challenges associated with equalizing wages across government ranks, citing budgetary constraints and administrative hurdles. He proposed a nuanced approach that balances the aspirations of workers with the fiscal realities of governance, advocating for dialogue and compromise to reach a sustainable solution.
In response to Father Mbaka’s statements, government officials have reiterated their commitment to engaging with labour unions to find a mutually acceptable resolution. Senator Aisha Abdullahi, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity, affirmed the government’s willingness to address the concerns of workers while emphasizing the need for fiscal prudence.
Senator Abdullahi emphasized the importance of striking a balance between meeting the demands of labour and ensuring the fiscal sustainability of government operations. She pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to reach a consensus that prioritizes the welfare of Nigerian workers without compromising the nation’s economic stability.
