Assurances have emerged from Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, guaranteeing Nigerian workers that they will find satisfaction in the ongoing review of minimum wage.
Abbas highlighted the keen interest of lawmakers in this review, expressing confidence that workers will ultimately receive wages that facilitate their sustenance.
Speaking at the National Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social Norms, and Behavior Change in Nigeria, organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the Speaker pledged his commitment.
Represented by Oluwole-Oke, the legislator for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, Abbas underscored the influence of factors like survival wages on citizens' inclination towards corruption.
"The question around a survival wage system is a big factor," noted Abbas, highlighting how an inadequate take-home pay can be a breeding ground for various forms of corruption.
The Speaker emphasized the House of Representatives' deep interest in the ongoing minimum wage review, vowing to secure a survival wage that effectively caters to the needs of Nigerians.
Abbas acknowledged the weight of societal expectations on legislators to provide assistance beyond their legislative duties, attributing this pressure to the prevailing poverty rate influenced by the mentioned factors.
Recognizing the importance of changing social norms to combat corruption, Abbas stressed the urgency of addressing the underlying circumstances.
He elaborated on behavior change interventions, ranging from awareness campaigns and education programs to value reorientation and legal reforms, that target social norms and promote ethical behavior.
These actions, he argued, create an environment where corruption is less tolerated and more strongly condemned.
Concluding his remarks, the Speaker highlighted the multifaceted approach required to curb corruption in Nigeria. He advocated for efforts directed at changing social norms, raising awareness, reinforcing institutions, nurturing ethical leadership, and implementing effective legal measures.
By orchestrating these efforts, Abbas believed it's possible to cultivate a society that not only discourages corruption but actively combats it.
