Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called for a substantial increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage, arguing that the current ₦70,000 wage has not restored workers’ purchasing power.
Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. He argued that rising costs of fuel, transportation, food and rent have eroded the value of workers’ earnings.
He compared the current minimum wage with the previous ₦30,000 wage, using petrol prices to illustrate his argument. According to Atiku, at a petrol price of ₦1,400 per litre, a worker earning ₦70,000 can purchase about 50 litres of petrol.
He also argued that the increase in nominal wages has not translated into a corresponding improvement in living standards, particularly for workers facing higher daily expenses.
Atiku criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy under President Bola Tinubu, saying the resulting increase in energy and transportation costs has affected household finances.
He called on the Federal Government to agree to what he described as a substantial increase in workers’ wages that reflects current costs of food, housing, transportation and electricity.
The ADC candidate also urged the government to provide a clear position on the ongoing wage debate and avoid prolonged negotiations with organised labour.
Atiku said that, if elected president, he would begin the process of increasing the wage floor from his first day in office. He also proposed targeted support for petroleum products refined locally, alongside measures aimed at reducing the cost of essential goods and services.
He further called for stronger social protection and policies designed to stabilise the cost of essential goods and energy, arguing that wage increases should be accompanied by measures that improve workers’ real purchasing power.
