A REQUEST put forward for increased remuneration of police constables in Nigeria has attracted the support of the influential president of the Nigeria Labor Congress, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar.
Omar’s support of the request made by Police Inspector General Mohammed Abubakar for a minimum monthly salary of N100,000 for police constables comes as more Nigerians are being exposed to the pathetic working conditions that junior police officers undergo.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Sunday, the Labor leader said that it would be good for the federal government pay policemen, saying there is little doubt that the men deserve it.
“I pray to the almighty God that the federal government grants the request. It is good and they deserve it, so let them take it,’’ the NLC president said.
Mr. Omar also touched on the issue of safety in the workers, stressing that employers at all levels need to imbibe the culture of ensuring that employees work in safe environment.
He said workers are the greatest asset of any country because they toil and turn the wheel that generates the wealth of the nation.
“The authorities, at all levels of employment, must ensure safety in the workplace. It is a paramount issue with the International Labour Organisation (ILO),’’ Omar said.
He said this year’s May Day celebration would be a unique one because it coincides with the country’s Centenary celebration by the federal government.
“It will be a remarkable event because it is a period of reflection and a period for workers to re-dedicate themselves to achieving their desired victory,’’ the NLC president said.