Anglican Bishop of Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Akinpelu Johnson, has said that States can pay the new minimum wage if they curb wasteful spending.
He also commended the Federal Government for approving the new minimum wage.
Johnson, however, urged the Federal Government to introduce more policies and measures that would cushion the economic hardship of Nigerians.
Johnson spoke on Friday at the 1st Session of the 5th Synod of the diocese at the All Saints Church, Yaba, Lagos.
The event has the theme: ‘Who is on the Lord’s Side? Let him come to me,’
He said that though some State governments had said they would not be able to pay the new minimum wage, they should actually be able to do so if they have financial discipline.
“With a little more prudence in the management of their financial resources, every state of the federation can pay the new minimum wage.
“Once the public sector leads in their direction, the private sector employers, including the non-profit organisations such as the church, must take a cue by doing same,” he said.
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Johnson also urged employees to commit to higher productivity in the overall interest of their employers and the nation.
He appealed to the Federal Government to invest hugely in the education sector to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
“No country can flourish without a solid foundational system; our educational system is at its lowest ebb and public education for the average Nigerian child is nothing to write home about.
“We implore the various agencies of government responsible for the sector to do more to raise the standard of education in the country by increasing investment in infrastructure and manpower.
“The endless strike in our institutions of higher learning can only be detrimental to the future of this country,” he said.
On the security situation of the country, the cleric urged the Federal Government to put measures in place to restore confidence of Nigerians and bring peace to troubled areas.
”The issue of insecurity has continued with even greater intensity; Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen problems have continued unabated, claiming lot of lives and properties. Kidnapping has become a veritable source of income for many youths,” he said.
