CurrentReport Blog Honourable Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has raised a pressing concern regarding the financial struggles of the average Nigerian worker.
During a session in the green chamber on Wednesday, Olajide declared that essential commodities like rice have become unaffordable for many, necessitating an urgent upward review of the national minimum wage.
Representing the Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency in Oyo State, Olajide, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressed that the current minimum wage is grossly inadequate. “An average Nigerian worker cannot afford to buy a bag of rice, let alone meet their basic needs, with their current take-home pay,” he stated.
Olajide highlighted the severe economic challenges facing workers, advocating for the government to align the minimum wage with the prevailing economic realities. He emphasized, “The cost of living in Nigeria has skyrocketed, and the minimum wage of 60,000 naira being offered by the federal government is no longer realistic.”
The lawmaker argued that well-paid and motivated workers are essential for the nation’s growth and development. “Nigerian workers are the backbone of our economy, and their welfare should be a priority for the government,” he noted. He urged the National Assembly and the House of Representatives to enact a better wage bill and improve the salary structure to uplift Nigerian workers.
In his passionate appeal, Olajide called on the government to act swiftly to address the economic plight of its citizens. “We need to review the minimum wage to reflect the current economic realities in the country. Our workers deserve better, and it’s time we ensure their financial stability to foster national development.”
