Critique of Minimum Wage
The immediate former Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has criticized the recently approved ₦70,000 minimum wage, labeling it inadequate. According to Ndume, the new wage barely covers the cost of a 50kg bag of rice, which sells for over ₦70,000 on average.
Ndume’s comments, shared in a viral video posted by Channels Television on Friday, highlight his concerns about the sufficiency of the wage increase to meet basic household needs.
“People are suffering, people are angry, people are not happy,” Ndume stated.
“Realistically, that is like a bag of rice, money that will buy a bag of rice or cover the cost of a bag of rice.”
Recent Developments
Despite being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ndume has been vocal in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. His outspoken stance comes on the heels of his removal as Senate Chief Whip on Wednesday.
On the same day, President Tinubu met with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the State House, where they agreed on the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. The agreement aims to address the financial struggles of Nigerian workers amid rising living costs.
Calls for Action
Ndume has called on President Tinubu to further review the minimum wage upwards, stressing that the current figure is insufficient to alleviate the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
“I am happy that yesterday, the President agreed with NLC to increase the salary to ₦70,000, which is a good move, but it takes more than that,” he said.
“So, I call on the president to still open up and listen to the people.”
The senator’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate about the adequacy of wage adjustments in Nigeria and the need for comprehensive economic solutions to address the cost of living crisis.
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