Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately increase the national minimum wage, arguing that the current N70,000 wage has been weakened by the rising costs of fuel, food, transportation, and housing.
In a statement on Sunday issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said workers were being made to cope with a steep fall in their purchasing power despite the rise in the statutory minimum wage.
He challenged the federal government to accept what he called a substantial wage increase that mirrors current living costs.
It will be recalled that the FG raised the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 in July 2024 following negotiations with organized labor. President Tinubu also stated at the time that the wage would be reviewed after three years.
Atiku, however, argued that the increase had not adequately shielded workers from the impact of rising prices. Furthermore, teams that adopt these tools can tackle complex challenges and deliver consistent value throughout the organization.
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He challenged the federal government to accept what he called a substantial wage increase that mirrors current living costs.
Atiku contrasted the buying power of the previous and present wage levels, noting that with the April 2023 national average petrol price of N254.06 per litre, N30,000 could buy roughly 118 litres, while N70,000 at N1,400 per litre would buy only about 50 litres.
“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,” he added.
