Former Senator Shehu Sani, who once represented Kaduna Central, has urged the Federal Government to address the ongoing minimum wage issue, emphasizing that given the current economic conditions in Nigeria, no worker can survive on less than N100,000.
Sani made these remarks during an interview with ARISE TV, where he discussed the ongoing disagreement between organized labor and the government regarding the minimum wage, on Friday.
Sani argued that the government has the financial means to pay a more reasonable minimum wage, stating that ensuring a living wage for workers is essential.
He highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian workers trying to make ends meet with the current proposed minimum wage of N45,000-48,000, emphasizing that when considering various expenses, it becomes evident that this amount is unrealistic.
“I don’t know how a Nigerian can survive with less than N100,000. If you break down what the government is offering N45,000-48,000, you will see how unrealistic it is by the time you factor in many things. The position taken by labour should be considered by the government.”
He acknowledged the government’s struggle to meet its financial obligations in recent years, but also pointed out that recent economic reforms, including the removal of subsidies, have freed up more resources.
Sani argued that one effective way for the government to utilize these resources is by increasing the minimum wage to a level where workers can adequately support their families.
He also emphasized the need for fairness in distributing the benefits of economic reforms, noting that workers expect their fair share of the increased revenue generated by such reforms.
“Workers are seeing that money is coming in trillions, they want their own share. When a nation subsidises, it makes more value for wages but when they are removed, you have to pay for it.”
