Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the N70,000 minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu, calling it grossly inadequate for workers’ basic needs.
In his newly released book, “Nigeria: Past and Future”, Obasanjo accused labour leaders of betraying workers, alleging that some negotiated wage deals for personal gain.
“The minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep,” he wrote.
He claimed that some labour leaders strike backroom deals with the government, prioritizing political ambitions over workers’ welfare. Obasanjo suggested a five-year waiting period before labour leaders can enter politics to prevent conflicts of interest.
The new wage, signed into law by Tinubu on July 29, 2024, followed lengthy negotiations where labour reduced its initial N250,000 demand. Previously, Nigeria’s minimum wage was N33,000, set by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
