Former Edo State governor and current senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has condemned wage exploitation in Nigeria, emphasizing that inadequate compensation harms national security and productivity.
He warned that Nigerian workers are experiencing more poverty, despite the recent increase in the minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Oshiomhole delivered his remarks at the Distinguished Personality Lecture organized by the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, as part of the Executive Intelligence Management Course, EIMC 17.
The lecture, titled “National Minimum Wage: Reward System and Productivity in Africa,” aimed to explore the link between wages, security, and productivity.
Oshiomhole highlighted how insufficient wages perpetuate economic hardship, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation and radicalization. He argued that fair wages are crucial to improving worker motivation, efficiency, and overall economic growth.
“Workers face fluctuating salaries and job insecurity, as employers can easily hire and fire employees,” Oshiomhole said, noting that union support is often minimal despite workers paying union dues, causing many to question union effectiveness.
He added, “Historically, the right to organise was suppressed, limiting workers’ ability to negotiate collectively. Industrial sabotage emerged as a form of protest against poor conditions. Collective bargaining and the right to strike are essential tools for negotiating fair wages and working conditions. Workers often resort to ‘work to rule’ when rights are restricted.”
Oshiomhole also emphasized the need for balanced wage structures, highlighting significant wage disparities across sectors that foster dissatisfaction.
He remarked, “The minimum wage is designed to protect vulnerable workers but is often not enforced. Setting minimum wages too high can risk job losses, while setting them too low can lead to exploitation.”
He warned that inflation erodes workers’ purchasing power, making it challenging to maintain a decent standard of living.
“Historical comparisons show that many workers are poorer now than in the past, despite nominal wage increases,” he added.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi, supported Oshiomhole’s concerns, noting that improved wages reduce workers’ vulnerability to abuse and contribute to national stability.
Commandant of NISS, Joseph Odama, praised Oshiomhole’s dedication to labor advocacy, stressing the role of fair wages in sustainable development.
He stated, “The national minimum wage is a pressing issue in our economic discourse today, affecting millions of Nigerians and influencing both individual lives and national productivity.”
Odama concluded, “A well-designed reward system can drive worker motivation, improve efficiency, and promote economic growth, while poorly structured policies can demoralize the workforce. To aim for a more equitable society, it is essential to understand the complex relationship between wages, rewards, and productivity.”
