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Falz slams government over minimum wage negotiations
Falz, the Nigerian rapper and singer, has voiced his disappointment and frustration regarding the government’s handling of the minimum wage negotiations with the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Falz criticized the government’s response to the labour unions’ demands, deeming it “heartless” and lacking in compassion.
He expressed that it shouldn’t have required the shutdown of the entire country by the NLC or other parties for the government to acknowledge the people’s deserving wage increase.
Falz questioned the government’s legitimacy, pondering whether it genuinely represents the people’s interests.
Furthermore, he conveyed disappointment that the government only took action after the labour unions initiated a strike, effectively halting the country’s infrastructure.
The singer’s remarks coincide with ongoing negotiations between the government and labour unions for a new minimum wage. Despite adjustments from both sides, with the unions reducing their demand from N494,000 to N250,000 and the government proposing N62,000, a resolution has yet to be reached.
He said: “It shouldn’t have taken the NLC or whoever is involved to shut down the whole country for the government to know that the people deserve more than that. I think it is heartless, not compassionate.”
“Everyone was hoping that they would enter and surprise us, but they didn’t.,” he said, “Well, it’s not surprising of this government. We know how they got in power. A legitimate government is one that the people accept as their representation. Can you say this is a legitimate government?”