`I will increase minimum wage to $350’ – AD presidential candidate

The Alliance for Democracy (AD) presidential candidate, Mr Rafiu Salau, has promised to increase workers’ minimum wage to 350 dollars (N67,200), if elected on Feb. 14.

Salau told newsmen in Abuja that labour policies would be reviewed to enable workers earn and live good life.

``The government of AD will introduce the minimum wage that will be equivalent to 350 dollars.

``The minimum income earners must have the financial capacity to be consumers of local products and services.

``The labour recourse will be revalued so that workers will be paid what they deserve. It will also reduce corruption,’’ Salau said.

He also said that small scale industries would be encouraged nationwide while interest of capital for small scale enterprises would be reduced to below five per cent.

The presidential hopeful said this action would enable industries produce at very low costs while the interest cut will enable the firms control Nigerian markets and compete favourably with foreign products in the international markets.

He said he would eradicate incessant strikes by upgrading the labour force with training and retraining programmes that would improve skills and knowledge.

``The focus on expansion of the private sector will provide more jobs. Therefore, the business sector will pay good salary to labour force with skills and knowledge that increases the productivity of business.

``The labour force union will be engaged in the improvement of the retraining of the members because that is what will increase the income and standard of leaving of the members,’’ said the flag-bearer.

On how he would ensure automatic increase in workers’ salaries, he said that it would be the responsibility of his government to ensure development in productivity that would create constant increase in revenue.