Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized Nigeria’s new minimum wage of ₦70,000, arguing that it falls far short of meeting workers' basic needs.
The wage increase, approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 after prolonged negotiations with labour unions, has sparked mixed reactions. However, Obasanjo believes labour leaders failed workers, accusing them of prioritizing personal gains over the collective welfare of employees.
In his remarks, Obasanjo lamented the current state of labour leadership in Nigeria, stating:
“Because of their political ambitions, most union leaders are ineffective compared to the founding fathers’ expectations.”
He further criticized their tactics, alleging that some leaders engage in behind-the-scenes negotiations that benefit them personally rather than the workers they represent.
“Rather than negotiating in the workers' best interest, they engage in sabre-rattling, only to be called into closed-door meetings where large sums of money are stuffed into their hands—after which they fall silent.”
According to him, this pattern has persisted since 2015 and is worsening.
Obasanjo also highlighted the financial struggles faced by Nigerian workers despite the wage increase, noting that:
“The new minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep.”
His remarks were published in his newly released book, "Nigeria: Past and Future", where he provides a broader critique of governance and economic policies in the country.
