Nigerian Lawmakers Advocate for Minimum Wage Increase Amidst Rising Inflation
The Minority Leader of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, alongside 42 lawmakers, is championing a call for a significant increase in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
They assert that anything less than N100,000 per month is unacceptable in light of the escalating cost of living and inflationary pressures gripping the nation.
Addressing journalists, Mr. Chinda emphasized the dire situation faced by Nigerian workers, where their take-home pay fails to meet basic living expenses. He cited data indicating that the present inflationary environment has eroded the purchasing power of citizens, leading to an increase in poverty levels.
To address this issue, the House of Representatives has established an ad hoc committee tasked with reviewing the possibility of implementing a living wage. While specifics of what constitutes a "living wage" remain undefined, lawmakers are steadfast in their rejection of anything below N100,000 monthly.
The removal of fuel subsidies by the government has further fueled calls for a review of the current N30,000 minimum wage. President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the need for action, announcing plans to implement a new minimum wage to ensure the well-being of Nigeria's working-class citizens.
A tripartite committee, chaired by former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji, has been tasked with determining the new minimum wage.
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