Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has sharply criticized the Nigerian government’s proposed minimum wage of N48,000, likening it to an “Almajiri offer.”
This statement comes in the wake of the government’s proposal during a tripartite committee meeting with organized labor, where tensions flared over the perceived inadequacy of the suggested wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) swiftly rejected the proposed amount, highlighting the pressing need for a wage that reflects the current economic realities.
Disappointment resonated among labor leaders, with one unnamed individual deeming the government’s offer as tantamount to a wage reduction.
President Bola Tinubu’s earlier promise of a living wage during the May Day celebration seems to have fueled expectations, with workers eagerly anticipating relief from the financial strains exacerbated by the high cost of living.
However, the disparity between labor’s proposed minimum wage of N615,000 and the government’s offer has widened the divide.
In a contrasting stance, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) proposed N54,000 as the new minimum wage, underscoring the complexity of finding a consensus amidst divergent perspectives on what constitutes a fair wage.
Reacting to the developments, Shehu Sani took to social media, characterizing the proposed N48,000 minimum wage as an “Almajiri offer,” implying that it falls short of meeting the basic needs of workers.
Despite the discord, Sani acknowledged the adage that “quarter moi moi is better than none,” hinting at the dilemma faced by workers who may feel compelled to accept a less-than-ideal wage rather than none at all.