Lagos, June 12, 2024 – A group, The Collective Movement, has congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day, calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the country’s teeming workforce is paid a living wage to improve their welfare.
The group advocates for good governance/anti-corruption as well as the welfare of Nigeria citizens.
In a statement signed by its director of media, Ndubuisi Nwachukwu, to mark 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the group said the plight of Nigerian workers presently is unbearable and calls for urgent attention.
They said the government should come up with a living wage now it is negotiating with labour to forestall the total collapse of the economy which labour is threatening.
It also reminded the government to use this auspicious time of our national celebration to reflect on many issues besetting society, especially hunger and insecurity.
It also noted that the current cost of food items and transportation fares, necessitated by the increase in petroleum price among others, have made the lives of citizens extremely difficult, saying that many Nigerians are on the edge and are becoming impatient.
The Collective Movement also noted that if urgent actions are not put in place to reduce the suffering of workers, the nation is likely to lose more of its loyal and dedicated workforce to other countries of the world that readily waiting to offer them opportunities and their families.
According to the group, the government in the past viewed expressly the challenges of brain drain which it said would be checkmated by improving the conditions of her workforce which remains the engine room of national development.
“The ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) without being immodest, failed the people in the last eight years it took office with the message of ‘CHANGE’ it brought about, which the people desperately needed at that time. With the RENEW HOPE”, Mantra now at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, the people expect their lives to be better.
”The nation has been facing economic challenges since APC came to power, now it is extremely difficult for citizens to afford necessities of life.
”They are the cause of the current economic hardship faced by Nigerians at all levels based on the wrong policy introduced on the first day of this administration, the group said.
It added that as Nigeria marks twenty-five years of democracy, the expectations of Nigerians encompass several key areas:
Economic Stability and Growth: Nigerians expect improvements in the economy, including job creation, reduction in poverty, and better infrastructure.
Security: There is a strong desire for enhanced security to tackle issues such as terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violence.
Good Governance: Nigerians look forward to more transparency, accountability, and an effective fight against corruption in government.
Improved Services: Expectations include better healthcare, education, and public services.
Political Reforms: Many hopes for electoral reforms to ensure fair and credible elections, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Overall, Nigerians are hopeful for a more prosperous, peaceful, and democratic future.
