Ndume: Tinubu’s N70,000 Minimum Wage can Only Buy a Bag of Rice

In a recent critique, Borno South Senator Ali Ndume has expressed disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s newly approved N70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers. Ndume, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), argued that the wage increase is inadequate, highlighting that it is barely sufficient to purchase a 50kg bag of rice.

The senator made these remarks in a viral video shared by Channels Television on Friday, following the recent agreement between President Tinubu and labor leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). During their meeting at the State House on Wednesday, the government raised its initial offer from N62,000 to N70,000, while labor representatives reduced their initial demand from N250,000.

Despite the agreement, Ndume, who was recently dismissed as Senate Chief Whip, contended that the new minimum wage fails to address the harsh economic realities faced by many Nigerians. He urged President Tinubu to consider a further review of the wage, emphasizing the need for a more substantial increase.

“People are suffering, people are angry, people are not happy. The increase to N70,000 is a positive step, but realistically, it’s equivalent to just a bag of rice,” Ndume said. He added, “I call on the president to listen to the people’s concerns and act accordingly.”

The senator’s dismissal as Senate principal officer followed a formal request from APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and national secretary Basiru Ajibola, citing Ndume’s criticism of the administration as the reason for his removal.

A recent market survey revealed that the cost of a 50kg bag of rice ranges between N78,000 and N79,000, exceeding the new minimum wage. Other essential food items, such as 50kg of white garri and 50kg of brown beans, also surpass the wage, reflecting the sharp increase in food prices reported by the National Bureau of Statistics.

As the cost of living continues to rise, Ndume’s call for a higher minimum wage resonates with many who feel the current rate falls short of meeting basic needs.