Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, 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 prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of workers. He criticized the current wage structure, stating that it fails to cover even the cost of transportation for some employees.
“Workers need more attention than they are getting. It is their right, and they have been denied it for too long,” he wrote in Chapter 17 of the book.
Obasanjo also questioned the integrity of some union leaders, alleging that they use their positions for political gain rather than advocating for workers. He cited instances where trade union leaders negotiated political positions while still in office, leading to ineffective leadership that falls short of the founding fathers’ expectations.
“The workers thereby become victims of selfish leaders who use their positions to achieve political heights,” he stated.
His comments add to the ongoing debate over the adequacy of the new minimum wage and the role of labour unions in protecting workers’ rights.
