A former Osun State permanent secretary, Fatai Kolawole, has urged civil servants to accept the N62,000 minimum wage proposed by the federal government.
In an interview in Modakeke, Osun, Kolawole attributed his stance to the global economic downturn, assuring that the challenges are temporary.
Kolawole expressed optimism that the upcoming Dangote Refinery and Port Harcourt Refinery maintenance will lead to reduced petroleum prices.
He praised the nation’s economic handlers as capable and predicted improvements within the next year.
The former permanent secretary encouraged civil servants to be patient and accept the offered minimum wage, believing that the economic situation will soon turn around for the better, according to Peoples Gazette.
His comments come as the federal government’s proposed minimum wage has been a topic of discussion among civil servants and labour unions.
“Dangote Refinery has reduced diesel price from N1,600 to N1,200 per litre and has said that by July, petrol will come down to between N400 and N400 per litre. We should note that the economic downturn is global, as those in foreign countries are also not having it easy. So what is happening is not in Nigeria alone. It should, however, be seen as a passing phase,” he said.
Mr Kolawole noted that the federal government was rejigging the system, during which things might be hard.
“This is a bitter pill that Nigeria must take now and hopefully, within the next one year, things will change for better. Surely, there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
