Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sharply criticised the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, describing it as inadequate to meet Nigerian workers’ basic needs. Speaking at an event, Obasanjo lamented that despite the increment, the wage remains insufficient in the face of rising inflation and economic hardship.
The former leader did not hold back in his rebuke of labour unions, accusing their leaders of betraying workers by prioritising personal interests over collective welfare. According to Obasanjo, rather than negotiating a sustainable wage, union leaders settled for compromises that do little to improve workers’ livelihoods.
His comments have sparked fresh debates on whether the new wage truly addresses the financial struggles of Nigerian workers or if a more substantial increase is needed.