Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has called on Nigerian governors to reduce their salaries to show solidarity with workers. This appeal follows the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) rejection of the federal government’s proposed ₦60,000 monthly minimum wage, citing financial constraints.
Ajadi, speaking from Ibadan, Oyo State, criticized the governors’ stance as “insensitive” and “wicked,” pointing out the disparity between their high salaries and the proposed wage for workers. He noted that labor unions had not yet accepted the proposal, making the governors’ rejection premature. He praised Edo State Governor Dr. Godwin Obaseki for implementing a ₦70,000 minimum wage and urged other governors to follow suit, including cutting their own salaries.
Highlighting the increased monthly allocations to states since the removal of subsidies, Ajadi questioned the governors’ use of these funds. He urged them to allocate part of the increased funds to the new minimum wage once agreed upon, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and prompt payment to improve workers’ living conditions.