Ekiti Catholic bishop opposes minimum wage increase

Kamarudeen Ogundele, Ado Ekiti

The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti State,  Most Rev. Alex Ajakaye, has advised labour unions to drop the idea of increase in minimum wage, but instead think of how to stimulate the economy.

He said seeking upward review of minimum wage was a bad idea, because it would come with maximum problem.

He also urged the Federal Government to revisit the report of the 2014 National Conference, saying the implementation of the report was the only way Nigeria could move forward.

Ajakaye stated these on Sunday during his homily at a service to mark the World Communication Day 2017 at Saints Patrick Catholic Cathedral,  Ado Ekiti.

He was a delegate to the 2014 National Conference and co-chaired the Conference Committee on Religion with Dr. Nurudeen Lemu.

Ajakaiye said, “Minimum wage is a maximum problem. Instead of asking for increase in wages, why don’t you agitate for prompt payment of the one you are getting now.”

The Bishop said the Nigeria Labour Congress, instead, should focus attention on prompt payment of salaries and the stability of the value of the Naira as well as stable economy.

“Let me ask you who are Civil servants here whether you have received last month salary, the answer is no. If the current wages are not being paid as at when due,  what is the guarantee that it will be paid when it is increased. When the market people hear that your wages have been increased, they would double the prices of their wares.”