The chairman of the Senate committee on labour and productivity, Diket Plang (APC/Plateau Central), has commended the organised labour for accepting the N70, 000 minimum from the federal government.

Mr Plang, who bared his mind on Sunday while interacting with journalists in Jos, said the unions have exhibited a high level of patriotism by accepting the new minimum wage.

The committee chairman lauded the organised labourers for their civil and peaceful disposition throughout the period of negotiation and eventual agreement.

The senator stated that he personally held a series of interactions with  the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

According to him, he organised many meetings between the legislative arm of the government and the trade unions to find common ground on the issue.

“I must thank them because they have a very patriotic approach to this issue. They were never violent at all.

“Our relationship is like a family, where dependents and children ask the father for more resources.

“The father, who loves the children, will look at them compassionately and explain his limitations.

“The ability to agree on a particular amount was commendable and shows understanding within the family.

“We must be careful to ensure that the federal, state, and local governments all pay the new minimum,” he said.

Mr Plang urged organised labour to meet the minimum wage requirements.

“May we also bring policies that favour the private sector so they can thrive, be productive, and be in a position to meet the minimum wage for our workers,” he said. 

(NAN)