The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has advised the federal government to quickly resolve the impasse surrounding the implementation of a new minimum wage for workers.

The association’s chairman at the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Kazeem Suarau, gave the advice while receiving an award/commendation letter from the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO).

“I urge the government to prioritise and expedite the process of implementing a revised minimum wage that reflects current economic realities.

“This action will not only alleviate the sufferings of the masses but also stimulate economic growth by boosting consumer spending and overall productivity,” Mr Suarau said.

Mr Suarau said the current economic situation in the country had exacerbated the suffering of the masses, hence the need for immediate resolution of the deadlock to allow for an acceptable new minimum wage.

“As prices of essential goods and services continue to rise, the purchasing power of ordinary citizens has dwindled, further deepening poverty and inequality in the country.

“It is crucial to recognise that an adequate minimum wage is not just a matter of economic policy but a fundamental human rights issue.

“It directly impacts the well-being and dignity of workers and their families, ensuring they can afford basic necessities and live decent lives,” Mr Suarau said.

He said SSANU FUL members would join their non-academic colleagues nationwide to protest on July 9 at the university campuses over the non-payment of their withheld four months’ salary.

Mr Suarau said that despite the approval by President Bola Tinubu for the release of the withheld salaries and assurances to promptly pay, SSANU/NASU members have yet to be paid.

“Our national executive has engaged in multiple discussions with the Ministers of Education and Labour as well as the Senate and House of Representatives Education Committees, to address this pressing issue.

“Regrettably, despite these engagements and assurances, there has been no tangible progress in fulfilling the government’s commitment to remunerate non-teaching members,” he said.

Saurau thanked CESVO for finding him and other executive members of SSANU, FUL branch, worthy of the award and commendation letters.

(NAN)