A member of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, has criticized the proposed N48,000 minimum wage by the federal government, stating that workers are insufficient to survive.

Following reports that the meeting between the federal government and labor unions ended in a deadlock over the proposed N48,000 minimum wage, Ajadi expressed his disappointment with the figure. In a statement released Thursday, Ajadi revealed that he closely monitored the negotiations between the government and organized labor on the new minimum wage. He emphasized that the government did not take into account the current economic realities before proposing N48,000.

to Ajadi, the suggested minimum wage does not align with the present economic conditions in Nigeria, especially considering the high cost of living and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities like petrol and food items. He argued that with petrol selling for over N700 per liter in most filling stations, and basic food items becoming increasingly expensive, it would be unrealistic for workers to manage their expenses with a monthly salary of N48,000. Ajadi suggested alternative measures, such as paying workers based on their working hours, to ensure that those who genuinely put in effort are adequately rewarded.

also highlighted the example of states like Edo, which have independently increased their minimum wage to N70,000. While acknowledging the presence of inefficiencies in the civil service, Ajadi urged the federal government to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers and consider raising the minimum wage. He called on labor unions to continue negotiations with the government rather than rejecting the proposal outright, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue to reach a fair and realistic wage agreement.

In conclusion, Ajadi stressed that any minimum wage below N200,000 would be inadequate and urged labor representatives to clearly articulate the reasons why N48,000 is insufficient for workers to sustain themselves.