The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to increase the minimum wage in Nigeria. Atiku's call comes as the country grapples with a severe cost-of-living crisis. He accused the Tinubu administration of overseeing a ruthless economic squeeze, where workers' purchasing power has been eroded despite higher paper wages. Atiku's statement was issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Atiku criticised the government's economic reforms, stating that they have become an insult to Nigerians. He argued that rising fuel and essential goods costs have significantly eroded workers' wages. The removal of the petrol subsidy has led to a sharp increase in prices, leaving working families without adequate protection. As a result, fuel, transport, food, and rent have consumed workers' earnings, forcing Nigerians to bear the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis.
The current minimum wage in Nigeria is inadequate, according to Atiku, given the prevailing living costs. He highlighted that the N70,000 monthly minimum wage can only buy 50 litres of petrol at N1,400 per litre. This leaves workers with insufficient funds for feeding their children, paying rent, and commuting to work. Atiku urged the Federal Government to respond to organised labour's demands and increase workers' minimum wage.
Atiku also criticised the government's approach to economic reforms, stating that workers have been asked to make sacrifices while struggling to meet basic household needs. He likened the situation to someone being forced to walk in the rain without an umbrella, saying, "The government pulled away the floor, offered workers a flimsy umbrella and now applauds itself while the rain beats down on them."
Atiku maintained that those earning the least have been disproportionately affected by the rising cost of living. He called for measures that would provide greater economic relief for workers. The ADC presidential candidate's statement comes ahead of the 2027 elections, indicating that economic issues will likely be a major campaign theme.
Organised labour has been demanding a substantial increase in the minimum wage, citing the high cost of living. Atiku's backing of this demand is seen as a strategic move to garner support from workers and labour unions. The issue of the minimum wage is likely to continue to be a contentious topic in Nigerian politics.
The Nigerian government faces pressure to address the country's economic challenges, including inflation and a high cost of living. Atiku's call for a minimum wage increase adds to the growing list of demands for economic relief. The government will need to balance the competing demands of different stakeholders while navigating the complexities of economic reform.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar urges President Bola Tinubu to increase the minimum wage amid Nigeria's severe cost-of-living crisis.
- The ADC presidential candidate criticises the government's economic reforms, stating they have failed to protect workers' purchasing power.
- Atiku calls for measures to provide greater economic relief for workers, particularly those earning the least.
