The primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Henry Ndukuba, has advised the federal government to be considerate while labour should be reasonable in determining minimum wage for workers.

He tasked both parties to ensure that the new minimum wage reflected the inflation rates and economic reality in the country.

Mr Ndukuba spoke on Sunday at the Cathedral Church of Advent Life Camp, Abuja, while addressing journalists during his episcopal visit, to mark the 2024 day of Pentecost.

The Day of Pentecost marks 50 days after the Easter Day celebration and brings an end to the Easter season.

The cleric, while reacting to questions on the fruitless meeting between the federal government and organised labour a few days ago, called for dialogue to avoid future strikes by workers.

Mr Ndukuba further explained that salary increases have not helped the situation of the average Nigerian worker, considering inflation.

He called for consideration on the part of the government and asked the NLC to be reasonable with its demands.

“All we are asking is for the NLC and TUC to be reasonable in their requests and demands while the government should be considerate.

“Somebody said it is the minimum wage for maximum suffering. By this, it means, if we are demanding minimum wage that will make inflation get out of hand, we will end up in maximum suffering.

“What NLC, TUC are asking for is for our good, and they need our support, but other aspects need to be put into consideration,” he said.

On the essence of the Sunday service, Ndukuba explained: “Today is Pentecost Sunday when we commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Church of God.

He said the church’s focus for the day would be on the family, where everybody was important to God.

(NAN)