Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the reported proposal by state governors to set Nigeria’s minimum wage at ₦100,000, describing the amount as grossly inadequate in the face of the country’s rising cost of living.
Sowore made his position known in a statement shared on his official social media page, where he argued that the proposed wage would fail to meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers.
According to him, the amount is insufficient to cover essential living expenses, including food, housing, transportation, healthcare, education, and utility bills.
“Just hours after we proposed a living wage for Nigerian workers, the governors have reportedly responded with their own proposal of a ₦100,000 minimum wage,” Sowore stated.
He argued that the governors are fully aware of the harsh economic realities confronting workers across the country, noting that ₦100,000 can barely purchase a bag of rice, let alone provide for other necessities required for a decent standard of living.
Sowore further accused political leaders of imposing what he described as “poverty wages” on workers while enjoying lavish lifestyles funded by public resources.
“A minimum wage should guarantee dignity, not perpetual suffering,” he added.
The activist maintained that any wage structure introduced by the government should reflect current economic conditions and enable workers to meet their basic needs without hardship.
His comments come amid ongoing debates over workers’ welfare and calls for a wage system that better reflects the realities of inflation and the increasing cost of living in Nigeria.
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