As the debate over the proposed minimum wage intensifies, Nigerians have taken to the microblogging platform X to voice their concerns about the disparity between the salaries and benefits enjoyed by Senators and the wages proposed for workers. This outcry comes amidst the ongoing strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which began on Monday following unsuccessful negotiations with the federal government.
The labour unions are steadfast in their demand for a ₦494,000 minimum wage, sharply contrasting with the ₦60,000 offered by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Highlighting this disparity, the NLC posted on X about the substantial earnings of Nigerian Senators, sparking widespread discussion and outrage among netizens. The viral post, captioned “Can They deny this???? Nigeria Workers deserve Better, A living Wage is Possible,” has attracted numerous comments criticizing the government’s distribution of benefits.
See some reactions below:
@RealQueenBee__ wrote, “THIS IS PURE WICKEDNESS
How can anyone justify
1. A Furniture allowance N7.45m
2. Accommodation allowance N5m
3. Vehicle allowance N10m
4. Vehicle maintenance N1.8m
4. Hardship allowance N1.2m
Comments on the platform reflect a deep dissatisfaction with the current situation. One user, @AgboObinnaya, noted, “They even receive ‘Hardship Allowance’. How can people who do not know any hardship, by virtue of their office, be receiving ‘Hardship Allowance’?” Another user, @Nwafresh, suggested, “If they can’t give you people what you want, let the Senators start collecting minimum wage as salaries. A Director in federal service is collecting at most 400k. Our lawmakers should be collecting 450k monthly.”
Other users, such as @MFaarees_, expressed frustration with the Senate itself, stating, “As far as I’m concerned the whole Senate needs to be scrapped, they’re not doing anything for the benefit of Nigerians, it’s just them and family and friends.” @ayampeky urged the unions not to back down, saying, “Just don’t back down. Prove Nigerians wrong by being steadfast this time around let’s get it right once and for all.”
The online discourse underscores the widespread discontent with the significant economic gap between lawmakers and ordinary Nigerian workers, amplifying calls for a more equitable wage system.