An industrial relations and personnel management expert, Ismaila Kadiri, has advised the federal government to review upward the current minimum wage to reflect the cost of living.

Mr Kadiri of the Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, University of Ilorin, gave the advice while delivering the institution’s 296th Inaugural Lecture on Thursday in Ilorin.

Mr Kadiri said there was a need to increase the minimum wage to a level that reflects the true cost of living, ensuring that all workers can afford basic necessities.

He noted that the increase in the minimum wage could be achieved through joint negotiation and agreement among all actors in the industrial relations system.

The expert explained that industrial relations focus on the management of relationships among actors in the labour market.

“These are the government and its agencies, the employers and their association and the employees and their unions. These may include the call for workers to join the organisation, steady and continuous progress on the job, exit, and life after work.

“This starts with job listing, advertisement, interview shortlist, employment, promotion, and retirement. Other issues also include employee motivation, disciplinary procedures, and disengagement,” he said.

Mr Kadiri called for strengthening social safety nets, such as healthcare, housing assistance, and food security programmes, to support individuals and families during financial hardship.

He said that the programmes currently in place by the Nigerian government should be energised to meet current global challenges.

(NAN)