Obasanjo Slams New N70,000 Minimum Wage as Inadequate, Accuses Labour Leaders of Betrayal

 

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage, calling it insufficient to meet the basic needs of workers. In a statement that has already sparked widespread debate, Obasanjo not only condemned the figure but also accused labour leaders of betraying their constituency by prioritizing personal gains over the welfare of the workforce.

Obasanjo's comments were delivered in a public statement where he expressed his discontent with the current state of the minimum wage negotiations and the outcomes that followed. According to the former president, the N70,000 wage increase does not come close to addressing the rising cost of living or the economic challenges that many workers in Nigeria face daily.

The government and labour unions recently agreed to a new minimum wage of N70,000, but this decision has been met with widespread skepticism. Critics, including Obasanjo, argue that this amount falls far short of the amount needed to provide workers with a decent standard of living. The cost of essential goods such as food, transportation, and healthcare has risen dramatically over the years, making it increasingly difficult for workers to make ends meet on such a wage.

"The N70,000 minimum wage is an insult to the hardworking men and women of Nigeria. It is nothing more than a token gesture that fails to reflect the realities of the Nigerian economy," Obasanjo said. "It is an amount that cannot meet the basic needs of the average worker, let alone provide for their families in a meaningful way."

Obasanjo’s critique went beyond just the figure. He placed much of the blame on the labour leaders who negotiated the deal, accusing them of failing to properly advocate for the welfare of the workers they represent. According to Obasanjo, these leaders have compromised their integrity by prioritizing personal interests over the collective good of the workers.

The former president's remarks have added fuel to the fire of ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of labour unions in Nigeria and whether they have truly served the interests of their members. In his statement, Obasanjo lamented that labour leaders, in his view, had been more concerned with securing benefits for themselves than fighting for an equitable deal for the workers they represent.

"Labour leaders have betrayed the workers they represent. Instead of standing firm and fighting for a wage that would allow Nigerian workers to live with dignity, they have sold out. It is time to take a hard look at the leadership in the labour movement and ask if they are truly serving the people," Obasanjo said.

The former president’s criticism resonates with a growing sense of disillusionment among Nigerian workers, many of whom feel that their voices are not being adequately heard in negotiations involving their wages and working conditions. Despite the N70,000 increase, the daily reality for many Nigerians remains challenging, with inflation continuing to drive up prices across all sectors.

Obasanjo's statements have already sparked mixed reactions across the country. Some have rallied behind his viewpoint, arguing that the N70,000 wage is merely a political move and does little to address the core economic issues that affect workers. Others, however, believe that the agreement is a step in the right direction, even though it might not fully meet all the demands of the workforce.

Despite the controversy surrounding his remarks, Obasanjo’s criticism serves as a reminder of the larger ongoing debate about wages, inflation, and the broader economic challenges in Nigeria. As the country continues to struggle with economic recovery, the question of how to fairly compensate workers while also addressing inflation remains a topic of critical importance.

In the meantime, Nigerian workers are left wondering if their leaders will take a stronger stand in future negotiations, or if they will continue to accept what some see as token efforts that do little to improve their living conditions.

As this issue unfolds, the eyes of millions of Nigerian workers are now focused on the next steps, hoping for a solution that will provide more than just a symbolic raise, but one that will truly ensure their welfare in an increasingly challenging economy.