The House of Representatives has raised alarms over the insufficient minimum wage for workers in the nation, stating that a monthly salary below N100,000 is not livable for any worker in the country.
Rep. Aliyu Madaki of NNPP-Kano State pointed out on Wednesday that the soaring inflation rates in the nation have rendered basic necessities like food, water, shelter, education, healthcare, transportation, and clothing unaffordable for the average Nigerian.
According to him, Nigeria is a participant in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He referenced Article 23 of the declaration, which stipulates that every employed person is entitled to a fair and beneficial salary, guaranteeing that they and their families can live with dignity.
- “Recall when the fuel subsidy was removed in May 2023, the Federal Government offered palliatives to cushion its effects.
- “However, the ameliorative effect of this measure has been overtaken by the continued rise in the cost of goods and services.
- “We are aware that wage award was granted by the president recently, but the purchasing power is low, owing to the continued rise in the cost of living in the country and the fall of the naira.
- “We are also aware that Trade Economics in 2018 reported the living wage for an individual Nigerian and a Nigerian family to be N43,200 per month and N137,600 per month, respectively. This was a pre-subsidy removal report.
- “Further note that presently, no labourer can live in Nigeria with a wage of less than N100,000.00,” he said.
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What you should know
Workers have had to contend with rising prices of goods and services since the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, with the attendant inflation and escalating cost of living eaten deep into their pockets and rendering their monthly wages inadequate to meet their basic needs.
- In June 2023, for instance, workers and some labour leaders demanded that the minimum wage be increased from N30,000 to N250,000, adding that the current situation would increase the demand for a salary review. The amount was later adjusted to N200,000 monthly.
- Meanwhile, the federal government inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee on national minimum wage.
- The committee is tasked with the responsibility of recommending a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
- The committee, comprising representatives of the federal and state governments, private sector and the organised labour, is to be chaired by Bukar Goni Aji, former head of service of the federation.
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Minimum wage without price control amounts to nothing. The so call minimum wage will skyrocket the price of goods and services.
This should be considered for now.
N500,000 will not even satisfy us compared to the high cost of living in our country today. Let the government consider us by giving a reasonable amount that at least will enable us to feed our families, get accommodation, afford school fees, among other necessities of life, that is all. What we need is not luxurious life, but just necessities of life.
It so heartbreaking that Tinubu removed fuel subsidy to save more money that he will loot. If it’s in the western economy, citizens will surely see what savings from same are used for.
Price control is very vital. Though this greedy government will never make this a reality. God will judge all of you
My field of practice and profession is engineering particularly petroleum engineering. Energy for light; heat transportation for which NIGERIA is naturally endoned with such be the sane means of controlling inflation. Not increasing wages. Also maximum wage for political and spiritual groups. Let the basic necessities of food health care education and social welfare be addressed.
Let the minimum wage reflect in the three tiars of govt. Not like before some States are pay some are left unpaid. We wants a minimum wage that shall incurred the need of our families such; Education, Shelter, Feeding, Transportation, Clothing and Accommodation. The standard of living of Nigerians is very POOR. We beg Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as well look into price of commodities in the market is too higher, we can not longer afford for three square meals in a day. Nigerians are withdrawal their Children from Schools just because inability to pay for fees, seeing people are committing Suicide once again Mr President don’t watch Nigerians to die. We pray God empower you to overcome every other entities are fighting you to fail in your tenure in Jesus name ( Amen).
We want to fight corruption and majority of the workers are living on empty stomach. Farmers cannot go to the bush and farm normally. Demands on parents are higher than expected. No person is living with smiling face any more. The government should review wages, reduce cost of farm inputs, provide security and provide conducive environment to farm. And don’t forget, “those that pay peanuts are bound to have monkeys as workers
Minimum wage of such magnitude might end up causing more mess. As a federal Govt worker, as much as it sounds good, economically it’ll worsen our situation if prices of goods & services aren’t controlled. This APC led govt over the past years have failed Nigeria & should leave if possible as they are a clueless bunch. Even if you propose a workable plan, it’ll likely fail as we have no reasonable/compassionate leaders currently…all rubber stamps & thieves!!