Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 approved by President Bola Tinubu, stating it’s insufficient to cover workers’ basic needs like transportation, food, and housing.
Obasanjo also accused labour leaders of betraying workers by prioritizing personal interests over collective welfare, alleging they accepted bribes from the government.
This development comes amid concerns over the growing income inequality and the impact of inflation on workers’ purchasing power.
Speaking to Journalist on Sunday, the former president had this to say: “That is the situation in Nigeria in the third decade of the 21st century.
“The minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep,” Obasanjo wrote in his newly released book, Nigeria Past and Future.
Obasanjo also claimed labour leader are more interested in pursuing personal interests.
“Because of their political ambitions, most union leaders are ineffective compared to the founding fathers’ expectations.
“The workers thereby become victims of selfish leaders who use their positions to achieve political heights.
“Rather than negotiate in the interest of the workers, they do sabre-rattling and they are called into the room and money in large amounts is stuffed into their hands and they keep quiet.
via: Information Nigeria
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