Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume has queried where the organized labour expects him to get N100,000 to pay each of his driver as minimum wage.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, June 6, during a meeting with the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the SGF said that the new minimum wage demanded by organised labour is not realistic.
He called on the Christian community for support as the tripartite Committee on minimum wage continues negotiations.
Akume stated that he cannot pay a minimum wage of ₦100,000 to his drivers because he has four of them.
He lamented that it would be a difficult responsibility for him.
According to him, “I can’t afford to pay my driver one hundred thousand because they are four. And these other people, dependents.”
He condemned the demands being made by the organised labour, adding, “Where do we get that money from?”
Akume made the submission on Thursday while speaking to the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja.
“Our people must rise up and have something in their pockets. It is not about demanding 100,000 naira without productivity. We are looking at controlling inflation and ensuring a balanced economy,” he asserted.
During the meeting, Akume also chided the organized labour for shutting down the national grid during its nationwide strike on Monday to press home its demand for the government to approve a higher minimum wage figure for workers.