Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, says lawmakers will ensure that Nigerians get a survival wage that can take them home in the ongoing minimum wage review.
Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Busayo Oluwole-Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, made the pledge on Tuesday, in Abuja at the National Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social Norms and Behaviour Change in Nigeria.
The event was organized by the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with Anti- Corruption Academy of Nigeria, supported by MacArthur Foundation.
The speaker, who pledged legislators’ support to the ICPC in its fight against corruption, however, said that factors that encouraged or promoted the menace must be dealt with.
“We must acknowledge that there are different factors that influence the attitude or action of citizens to indulge in corruption.
“For instance, the question of a survival wage system is a big factor.
“A situation where the take home pay of a large segment of the population is unable to take them home is a recipe for all manners of corruption.
“This is why the House of Representatives is particularly interested in the ongoing review of minimum wage in the country. The House this time around will ensure that Nigerians get a survival wage that could take them home,” he added.
The Speaker said that it was not enough to advocate a change of attitude or behavior, there must be deliberate policy of government in this regard.
Adding that the policy had to address a living wage for citizens and close the gap created by governance failure.
“Let me state that curbing corruption in Nigeria through social norms and behavior change requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.
“By targeting social norms, raising awareness, strengthening institutions, promoting ethical leadership, and implementing effective legal measures, social security policy,” he stated.
Similarly, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, said fighting corruption was a complex and multifaceted challenge.
