Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has backed organised labour’s demand for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage, arguing that rising costs have eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of imposing what he described as a severe economic squeeze on workers.
He argued that the increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 had not translated into improved living conditions because of rising prices of petrol, food, transportation and housing.
Atiku particularly criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying the policy pushed up living costs without adequate measures to protect working families.
He said the current N70,000 minimum wage could buy only about 50 litres of petrol at N1,400 per litre, compared with about 118 litres that the previous N30,000 wage could purchase when petrol sold at the April 2023 national average of N254.06 per litre.
According to him, the comparison showed that the increase in workers’ pay had not kept pace with the rise in living costs.
“The payslip has grown, but the fuel it can buy has more than halved. Tinubu has given workers a larger number and left them with a smaller life. That is hardship dressed up as a wage increase,” Atiku said.
He called on the Federal Government to agree to a substantial increase in the minimum wage that reflects the current cost of food, transportation, rent and other essential needs.
Atiku also promised that, if elected in 2027, his administration would begin work on raising the wage floor from its first day in office and introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of living.
He proposed support for domestic production, targeted assistance for vulnerable Nigerians and a production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians.
His comments came amid renewed calls from organised labour for a review of the N70,000 minimum wage, which labour leaders have argued no longer adequately reflects prevailing economic conditions.
### Akume Calls For Peace Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has urged Nigerians to maintain peace and unity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Akume made the call on Sunday during a national church service held at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
In his vote of thanks, the SGF said Nigeria’s democratic development depended on citizens maintaining peace and unity, urging voters to approach the 2027 elections with hope rather than division.
“As we look toward the 2027 elections ahead, let us remember that democracy is sustained by peace and unity. Our votes must be cast not in division, but in hope,” Akume said.
He urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue and reject actions that could deepen divisions, saying the electoral process should reflect the aspirations of a united population.
Akume also reflected on Nigeria’s 66 years as an independent nation, noting that the country had experienced sacrifices, challenges and achievements over the decades.
He further highlighted the country’s uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 as one of the milestones recorded in Nigeria’s post-independence history.
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