Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Bishop of Abuja, has expressed disagreement with labour’s demand for N56,000 new minimum wage in the country.
Okoh made expresed his view at the dedication of St Peter’s Anglican Church and Vicarage at Paradise Hills Estate, Asokoro, Abuja.
He advised the government to provide more facilities like transportation and others that would help to make life easier for Nigerians, instead of the demand.
“If we can try and manage what we have until the present economic crisis is over or until the time comes when we say we are out of the woods then we can talk about salary increase.
“If we talk about salary now and we cannot pay even the minimum wage of N18,000 then our problem will increase.
“The government should help in providing facilities such as transport that can make life better instead of asking for increment in salary.
“Increment of salaries in the past has not solved all our problems; I will not support the demand for N56,000 at this time of economic and security crisis ,’’ Okoh said.
He further advised the government to try and control the security situation faced in the country.
“The government should also avert a situation where individual communities will be forced to make security arrangements.
“No country can survive such situations so those in leadership position should do anything possible to take perfect control of security issues.
“There is no reason why a group of people will be carrying arms and roaming the countryside while others are at their mercy.
“The government should do everything to make sure everybody is equally safe; it will not promote unity, peaceful living and progress,’’ he said. (NAN)