By Taiwo Peters
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the new minimum wage of N70,000 approved by President Bola Tinubu last year, arguing that it is insufficient to meet workers’ basic needs, including transportation, food, and housing.
In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo accused labour leaders of betraying workers by prioritising personal interests over collective welfare.
“The minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep,” he wrote.
Obasanjo further alleged that since 2015, labour leaders have been ineffective, using their positions for political ambitions rather than advocating for workers.
“Rather than negotiate in the interest of the workers, they do sabre-rattling, and they are called into the room where large amounts of money are stuffed into their hands, and they keep quiet,” he stated.
He warned that the situation is worsening, leaving Nigerian workers at the mercy of self-serving leaders.