TheCable

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has asked the federal government to increase the minimum wage by 300 percent.

The union made the demand in a communique jointly signed by Ambali Olatunji, its national president, and Isah Gambo, its general secretary, at the end of its regular national executive council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, in Abuja.

Olatunji said the 300 percent raise has become imperative due to inflation caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

He said considering the overbearing posture of state governors on local councils, there is a need for a state-of-emergency declaration on local government administration.

He said this will address issues bordering on the decay in infrastructure, poverty and unemployment across local governments in the country.

Olatunji also said the federal government should create a special intervention fund to address social welfare.

He said the proposed fund should be able to cater for projects and programmes.

He added that considering the state of insecurity that has affected food production in the country, the local government administration should be assisted to establish a special vigilante to protect farmers.

Olatunji also urged the government to utilise the $800 million from the World Bank to provide mass transit and other interventions.

“This will discourage importation, alternate energy provision (CNG), vocational skill acquisition centers for youth and women,” he said.

He also advised the federal government to give tax rebate/holiday to low income earners and small scale entrepreneurs, as a way of encouraging and sustaining their businesses.

“It is the conviction of the union that autonomy for local governments remains the best way to return the country to the part of development and growth,” he said.

“This will translate to the direct funding of local governments without which no genuine national development can be achieved.”