Reps will ensure new minimum wage is enough for survival, says Abbas

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the green chamber will ensure that the new minimum wage is enough for survival.

President Bola Tinubu had said the federal government and labour unions are working to determine a new minimum wage threshold for workers.

During a national broadcast, Tinubu said the federal government would make budgetary provisions for the implementation of the new minimum wage as soon as an agreement is reached by the parties involved.

Abbas was represented by Wole Oke, lawmaker from Osun state, at a workshop organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) titled: “Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social norms and behaviour change in Nigeria”.

He said corruption has been a significant hurdle to the progress of the country.

“Corruption is indeed a multifaceted problem that permeates various aspects of society and has far-reaching consequences for the development and stability of nations,” he said.

“In our own case, it has been widely recognised as a significant obstacle to progress, impeding the country’s ability to reach its full potential.

“Corruption in Nigeria has been fuelled by various factors, including weak governance structures, lack of transparency and accountability, poverty, and cultural acceptance of corrupt practices.”

The speaker added that the use of bribes to access basic services or secure personal benefits has entrenched corruption in the country.

“The widespread acceptance of bribery as a means to access basic services or secure personal benefits, further nurtures corruption in the country,” he said.

“This norm is often reinforced by a lack of trust in public institutions and a perception that engaging in corrupt practices is necessary for survival or success.

“The normalisation of bribery perpetuates corrupt behaviours and undermines efforts to establish transparent and accountable governance structures.

“However, we must acknowledge that there are other factors that influence the attitude or action of citizens to indulge in corruption.

“For instance, the question around a survival wage system is a big factor.

“A situation where the take-home-pay of a large segment of the population is unable to take them home is a recipe for all manner of corruption.

“This is why the House of Representatives is particularly interested in the ongoing review of minimum wage in the country.

“The House, this time around, will ensure that Nigerians get a survival wage that could take them home.

“In many societies where corruption is on a low scale, there are social safety nets that guarantee protection for the people and Nigeria has the capacity to do the same.

“As lawmakers, there is often a significant societal pressure and expectation placed upon us to provide various services, assistance, and functions that may fall outside the scope of legislative responsibilities.”