The Ethics of Minimum Wage: A Philosophical Perspective on Nigeria's Wage Struggle

 

For weeks we have witnessed the struggle for an increment in the Nigerian minimum wage. This situation is multifaceted and it touches on economic, social, and political dimensions. Nigerian philosopher and professor Sophie Oluwole,  once stated:

"Justice and fairness are the foundation of any society that wishes to thrive. When the basic needs of the people are ignored, the very fabric of society is at risk"'. Truthfullly, every country must be able to ensure that her citizens can afford basic essentials. Sadly, Nigeria has faced considerable inflation in recent years, causing the cost of living to rise sharply, such that the average Nigerian struggles to provide 2 meals a day for himself, and family. This has made it increasingly difficult for workers to meet basic needs. Many have become homeless, many have died because of their inability to afford good healthcare, and many have dropped out of schools in a bid to survive.

It is being argued that an increment in the minimum wage is essential to help workers keep pace with these rising costs and maintain a decent standard of living. Many think that by raising the minimum wage, the government can help reduce the income inequality gap and improve the living conditions of millions of Nigerians. However, this line of thought hasn’t taken into consideration the cost-push inflation. Cost-push inflation is a phenomenon which occurs as businesses pass on the burden of increased labor costs onto consumers in the form of higher prices for their products and services.

While a minimum wage increase seems beneficial for workers, it is a secret invitation to more hardship. Increasing the minimum wage can in fact act as an hinderance to economic growth. It is not guaranteed that the average standard of living in the country will improve or that the inflation will reduce. If anything, cost-push inflation is likely to arise. In addition, this move can present challenges for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses might struggle with the increased labour costs, which could lead to layoffs, reduced hiring, or even closures. It is crucial for the government to balance the needs of workers with the potential impact on businesses, possibly by offering support or subsidies to SMEs.

Someone may argue that increasing the minimum wage can act as an economic stimulus, for instance, when workers have more disposable income, they are likely to spend more on goods and services, which can boost local businesses and stimulate economic growth. This can create a positive cycle of increased demand leading to higher production and potentially more job opportunities. But have you thought of the struggles local businesses and regular businesses will face with dwindling resources and infrastructure? an inconsequential profit margin and the need to comply with this new payment scale? What about regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance such businesses may have to deal with? Have you thought about how businesses will retaliate?

Instead of advocating for an increase in the minimum wage, why not champion the cause of equitable compensation for all? We should call for standardized labor compensation and payment schemes across all three branches of government—the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary. If our true aim is to achieve a balance between the upper, middle, and lower classes, to bridge the income inequality gap, and to enhance living conditions in society, these are the demands we must make.

Women For Liberty Africa trains over 400 Women in their liberty Conference Series in 4 different locations in Nigeria.

Women For Liberty Africa, A non-profit organization, driven by a mission to serve the public and focus on areas such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, human rights, disaster relief, and community development has just trained over 400 women in their just concluded Women For Liberty Conference Series in Nigeria. With a vision to build a gathering of strong women ready to take up responsibilities towards change and development, Women For Liberty Africa has remained in the libertarian movement, continually striving to train and empower women.

Women for liberty Africa also known as Women Aid Initiative actively works to provide essential services and support to vulnerable communities, especially women and girls. This kind of support can include providing free health talks and checks,  education and vocational training, food and nutrition assistance, as well as access to basic necessities.

Women For Liberty also raises awareness about important social issues, they advocate for policy changes, and they works to influence public opinion and decision-makers. They strive to create positive change by addressing systemic problems, promoting social justice, and ensuring the rights and well-being of marginalized populations.

Capacity building and empowerment has always been Women For Liberty Africa's focus. They plan, prepare and also collaborate with others on building the capacity of individuals and communities to improve lives. This is exactly the reason women for liberty Africa organized and held the Women For Liberty Conference Series. 

The Women for Liberty Conference Series was proposed to celebrate women and their achievements also to create an atmosphere of friendship and a chance to build a community of women ready to take up challenging task in a bid to advance the African society, fight poverty and reduce dependency on government interventions. The Conference series was held in four different locations in the Southwest region of Nigeria. These locations were researched and duly vetted for these programs as central locations for easy attendance of participants and safety precautions were considered as well. The conferences were held on the 24th of March in Abeokuta (kickoff) Ogun state, 28th of March in Ibadan Oyo state, 30th of March in Lagos (Makoko) and 1st of April in Lagos (Ikeja). These four events combined, sat a total of 423(four-hundred and twenty-three) women and girls excluding organization members, guest speakers and other volunteers seated to talk about liberty, business and lifestyles as regards individual rights and freedom. Women for Liberty Africa also had 5 five major brand companies represented in sponsorship and attendance and a total of 13 partner organizations in these events.

LOCATION 1 (ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE)

The conference was held in a 120 (one hundred and twenty) seater capacity hall on the 3rd floor of Khadtay building Panseke, Abeokuta Ogun state Nigeria. The event started 10am with an opening/welcoming speech from Mrs. Pomile Shittu a championing advocate in Women for Liberty Africa. Two major speakers Amb. Habeeb Whyte Esq., MBA (Solicitor and barrister of the Supreme court of Nigeria and legal adviser to the police community relations committee) and Mrs. Funke Adekitan (A journalist and writer for BTF Educational Services in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta) were the speakers of the day. 

Amb. Habeeb spoke on the topic “The impact of Advocacy on female empowerment and Leadership”. While Mrs. Funke spoke on “The role of mentorship in the girl child education and career development of women”. There was also a panel session 4 (four) speakers and moderator, discussing the influence of the media, healthy living, marital wholesomeness and skill acquisition on advocacy, women empowerment, and human right. Networking sessions and breakout sessions to connect organizations, brand companies and business owners present was also a major highlight for the day.  A total of 69 attendees were present for the kickoff program of the Women for Liberty Conference Series in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

LOCATION 2 (IBADAN, OYO STATE)

On the 28th of March, the team proceeded to Gbagi market in Ibadan, Oyo state with 3 speakers (Mrs. Temiloluwa Morenikeji, Mrs Oluwaponmile Shittu and Mrs. R.A Lawal Oyedeji, Esq, ACARB). There we had a total number of 215 attendees who were women and young girls and into business/entrepreneurship.  Oluwaponmile spoke on building a brand. R. A Lawal who is a lawyer facilitated on human rights, personal liberty and self-dependence, she spoke on possible ways to overcome shyness of living in according to norms and stereotypes, she buttressed on the right to live and own properties and rightful positions in essential gateways and associations.

The third speaker Mrs. Temiloluwa Moronkeji who is a social worker and professional relationship coach spoke on how women can achieve work-life balance especially as the audience was comprising of women and young girls who are businesswomen, wives, and mothers. We had a total of 215 women and young girls in attendance.

LOCATION 3 (MAKOKO, LAGOS)

According to Women For Liberty Africa Visioner, Lilian David, the Makoko event was a program of necessity as they got a distress report of how discouraged the Makoko women have lately been due to economic meltdown, instability, and political recession the country is facing at the time. As a vulnerable community, they were experiencing the worst of it. Since the Women for Liberty conference was a heart and mind program looking at building strength and synergy amongst women, they decided to pay a courtesy visit to Makoko community.

The event started at 11.20am of March the 30th 2023 being a Thursday with Head Chiefs and community leaders present. A total of number of 67 women and young girls were present to listen to Mrs. Ponmile Shittu and Ms. Lilian David on the topic relating to mental health & wellbeing and Business Strategies that work. Notable points discussed were centered on time management, mental health and wellbeing, healthy competition in business, self-discipline, and personal dependence. 

This event had a total of 67 attendees who became interested in Women For Liberty Africa and were ready to be a part of the sustainable course of the women for liberty conferences series. Women for liberty also visited the community primary school, where it was suggested to the leaders and teachers in charge to enable the setup of small reading groups where these children can fundamentally learn and assimilate from simple libertarian books, chats, and study aid materials to help sharpen and broaden their understanding of liberty (i.e) catching them young.

LOCATION 4 (GRAND FINALE)

The grand finale of the Women for Liberty Africa conference was organized in Lagos and its publicity and planning was to have both participating brand companies and others to come together in one room to discuss all about the practical ways to improve business, livelihood, and participation of women/young girls to help each other grow and advance. The door of proper education (through discussion), mentorship, partnership and sponsorship were opened through this gathering.

The conference had several speaking sessions discussing bridges and barriers hindering free market and the ideas of liberty, discussion on the capitalism, root of libertarianism, rule of law, human right and breaking free from the socialism believe to expand and promote self-dependence was a major highlight. A panel of 3 speakers and moderator was in place to answer all other concerns as pertains to day-to-day life as a woman/female living and thriving in Africa.

The beautiful event started with a wonderful and heart felt session from Mrs Sophia Izuma Onyenkpa who spoke on Bridges and balances in the life of women. Afterwards, talented Bata Dancers, (the Ayanfe dancers), entertained everyone with their beautiful dance steps. Women For Liberty Africa Visioner, Lilian David gave a short welcome address. Afterwards, talented and lively speaker, Doctor Osunrinade spoke on the need for mentorship and what true mentorship is. Popular social media influencer and talented makeup Artist, Blessing Oladipupo Lopez (also known as Cattysglam) who also graced the occasion with her loving husband, gave a seminar talk on how women can survive competition in business. An interesting and amazing panel session also held. It comprises of interesting speakers: Mrs Bisola Olaiya, Mr Femi Chacha, and Mrs Okutubo. It was anchored by Temiloluwa Oyeniyi and the session also expanded on Advocacy, mentorship as well as business, and career growth in women. Beautiful Spoken words of poetry rendered and beautiful hand crafts exhibition also made the event colourful. Of All the beautiful crafts and talented crafts makers present, an hat maker, Vicoyin concept won the hearts of many and eventually became the winner of the star business grant courtesy our donors. After wining and dining. Also pictures and red carpet. Championing Advocate Ponmile Shittu gave the vote of thanks at the close of the event. For many presents in the series, especially businesswomen and entrepreneurs, a pathway and connection was created for partnership and mentorship. Guests presents were interested in the displayed handiworks and the liberty expo served as an expository platform for business owner to relate and find solutions to their everyday problems in business, they could freely speak with professionals with very practical experiences and solutions. Partner brands were able to choose businesses which they see prospects and would like to uplift soon.

Women For Liberty intends to have a monitored progression on young/growing businesses and entrepreneurships already in the network and a follow up check on their mental health and idea intricacies. The team recorded a huge success in the project as an interaction with women to encourage, teach and liaise on feasible norms to growth, happened in each location (through grassroot leaders).