The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has called on the Federal Government to adopt a living wage policy that reflects the realities of Nigeria’s rising inflation and cost of living. NASU President Makolo Hassan made the appeal during the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
Hassan stressed that current wages no longer meet workers’ basic needs, urging a shift from minimum wage to a living wage tied to inflation and cost-of-living indices to ensure workers can live with dignity and remain productive.
He highlighted the negative impact of naira devaluation and rising energy costs on salaries and demanded prompt renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements in tertiary institutions to promote industrial peace.
Hassan also condemned splinter groups attempting to undermine NASU’s authority, reaffirming the union’s commitment to defend workers’ rights under the Trade Unions Act.
Supporting better education funding and enhanced social protection schemes, Hassan underlined that motivated and protected workers are the engine of national development. He decried casualisation as exploitation that denies job security and benefits.
NASU’s call resonates with the sentiments of key stakeholders like NABDA’s Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha and OTUWA’s John Odah, who emphasized workers’ welfare, harmony, and the potential of Artificial Intelligence to boost productivity and national progress.
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