President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of a new N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Some praised the decision as a positive step, while others argued that the amount is insufficient given the current economic challenges.
During a meeting with the leadership of organized labor in Abuja, Tinubu approved the new minimum wage, which will replace the previous N30,000 minimum wage that expired on April 18, 2024. The approval still requires endorsement from the National Assembly to take effect.
Olu Omotayo, an Enugu-based lawyer and President of the Citizens’ Rights Realization and Advancement Network, commended Tinubu for resolving the long-standing negotiations. “Tinubu has shown a way forward by wading into the matter and convincing labor to accept N70,000,” Omotayo said. He urged for the full implementation of the new minimum wage to ensure that workers benefit from it.
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Civil servant Matthew Ugbo praised the agreement, urging the government to expedite the bill’s passage through the National Assembly and to implement it promptly once it becomes law.
However, some expressed concerns that the new wage is still too low to meet basic needs. Godsown Onuzulike, President of The Potters Wheel in Enugu, stated, “The amount cannot do anything for workers given people’s basic daily needs and the cost of things in the market.” He advised civil servants to cut down their expenses, suggesting they choose affordable schools and accommodations.
Christian Alumona, another civil servant, echoed these sentiments. “How can I cope with N70,000 minimum wage when a bag of rice is almost N100,000?” he questioned. Alumona argued that the minimum wage should be between N100,000 and N150,000 to match the economic situation.
Mrs. Lilian Okolo also expressed dissatisfaction with the N70,000 minimum wage, saying, “The amount won’t do anything for us; it cannot fuel our car comfortably for a month as a litre of fuel is sold at N780 in Enugu.” She expected the minimum wage to be at least N100,000.
The new minimum wage has prompted a variety of responses, reflecting the broader debate about how best to support civil servants in a challenging economic environment. As the proposal moves to the National Assembly, the discussions are likely to continue, highlighting the diverse perspectives on this critical issue.