Senator Shehu Sani has raised concerns about the implications of the federal government agreeing to a minimum wage of 400,000 naira.

Minimum Wage: Shehu Sani on Potential Impact if FG Agrees to 400k Pay

He cautioned that such a decision would pressure private employers to match this wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are gearing up for a nationwide strike due to the federal government’s refusal to accept their proposed minimum wage of 494,000 naira. However, the government has labeled the planned indefinite strike by the labor unions as illegal.

Sani’s Perspective

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, June 2, Sani, a former senator from Kaduna state and a known human rights activist, articulated his concerns. “If the FG agrees to pay a minimum wage of 400k, that is what you have to pay your security guard, your house maid, your driver, your sales girl or sales boy, your gardener, your shop assistant, your cleaner… or you negotiate to pay half, which is 200k,” Sani stated.

NLC and TUC Announce Indefinite Strike

Sani’s remarks come as the NLC and TUC have announced their intention to initiate a nationwide strike on Monday, June 3. This move is in response to the federal government’s refusal to accept their proposed new minimum wage. The NLC is demanding a minimum wage of 494,000 naira, which the government has rejected. The government has also described the proposed strike as illegal.

Primate Ayodele’s View on NLC’s Demands

Adding to the debate, Primate Ayodele, a prominent religious leader, has weighed in on the NLC’s demand for a 494,000 naira minimum wage. He argues that this demand is unrealistic. The spiritual leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church expressed that the highest feasible minimum wage the government can manage without significant issues is 60,000 naira. Ayodele pointed out that such a substantial wage increase would lead to higher inflation and increased cost of living.

In summary, the discussion around the proposed minimum wage increase is multifaceted, with significant concerns about its practicality and potential economic repercussions. The stance of various stakeholders highlights the complexity of balancing fair wages with economic stability.

If the FG agrees to pay a minimum wage of 400k that is what you have to pay your security guard,your House Maid,Your Driver,Your Sales Girl or Sales Boy,Your Gardener,Your Shop Assistant,Your Cleaner…or you negotiate to pay half which is 200k 👁️
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) June 2, 2024

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