It's no longer news that inflation in Nigeria is skye-rocketing daily. If you ask me who the sacrificial lambs are, I will tell you they are civil servants and other salary earners in the Country. Nigerian workers have now turned to a subject of ridicules in our Society due to their economic lowness which has thrown them to series of pathetic situations.
Recently, Mr. President said in his Independent day speech that Nigerians should expect more hikes in fuel price, it was indeed a rude shock to all of us. The thought that came to my mind was that, "certainly, these politicians don't know what exactly the poor masses are going through, since they neither pay for fuel nor food". Likewise, any normal person would consider the fact that this present government at federal level is mindless of what economy really is. Nigerian economy currently is a complete shame to the black race. No forwardness whatsoever on the part of those holding the steering!
I said in the introductory paragraph that government workers and other low salary earners are the major sufferers of this crazy development. Yes, that's right. Consider for instance, four years ago when a bag of rice was still N8000, a junior officer can conveniently go to the market and buy five (5) rubbers of rice at N1500, but today, the same worker can only buy one (1) runner of rice with the same amount, N1500! This means Nigeria has experienced about 500% inflation in four years. The same is applicable to other food stuffs and cooking ingredients. Nigerians are in pains! Imagine a sachet tomato of N50 now sold for N150! What an economic tragedy! And salary stands still. What a Country!
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) agitated for N54,000 minimum wage for workers in the Country, but it's unfortunate they could go as low as N30,000 which government even drag-footed upon for 'up to a century' before they could implement. Regretfully, some State governors have refused to pay the N30,000, and many of those that are paying adopted killer relativity to implement it. Despite the aforementioned, many of the governors are even conveniently owing their workers months of salary. What have civil servants done wrong? Worsening the situation is the constant compromise on the part of our union leaders which is highly suicidal. We need safety! We need GOD'S Intervention.
Considering the current economic situation in the Country, you will agree with me that our salaries are now meaningless. Civil servants can no longer eat three square meals with their families, they have turned us to beggars. They have caused us to lose our dignities. Only those in positions where they can embessel public funds or receive big imprests in the Service are the ones enjoying the system now. The jobs are no longer lucrative!
Going by the level of our resources and wealth as a Country, the least worker in Nigeria can conveniently earn N100,000 as minimum wage. The strategy is simple. Cut the cost of governance at all levels, cut senators and Reps allowances, reduce governors' security vote, reduce Executives' imprest, stop inflating public projects, reduce excessive political appointees, and lots more! Do these and pay workers well. We are not slaves! Prices of items are rising everyday, and salaries are stagnant. Many don't even get paid at State levels. Life is difficult for people! Nigeria belongs to all of us, we deserve to live better!
I want to use this medium to call on President Muhamadu Buhari to rise to the occasion and make our system a workable one, such that the civil service can regain it's deserved respect. This of course, could only be achieved if Nigerian workers can start living as human beings again, and not like animals who only eat what they see, and not what they want.
Odunayo Ogunmodede
isaacodunayo35@gmail.com, 07033504020
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