National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has proposed a national minimum wage of ₦100,000 to alleviate economic pressures on Nigerian workers. Gabam’s suggestion comes amid a deadlock between the Federal Government and labour unions over wage increases.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Gabam criticized the government’s removal of fuel subsidies, which he cited as a key factor driving up living costs. He argued that a ₦100,000 minimum wage would help workers manage these increased expenses and reduce the likelihood of institutional sabotage.
Current negotiations between the government and labour unions have stalled, with the unions rejecting the government’s revised offer of ₦62,000. The unions are demanding a minimum wage of ₦250,000, a significant reduction from their initial demand of ₦494,000. Gabam highlighted the urgent need for a reasonable wage increase to address the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.