Atiku seeks wage increase amid N1400/litre fuel

Former Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to significantly increase the national minimum wage, arguing that the current rate of N70,000 is insufficient to cover the rising costs of goods and services. Atiku highlighted that while the wage was increased from N30,000 to N70,000 in July 2024, it has failed to keep pace with the cost of living due to the high price of fuel.

According to Atiku, N70,000 now only buys about 50 litres of petrol, down from 118 litres at the same wage level in 2023 when petrol cost N254.06 per litre. He criticized the reduction of the petrol subsidy, stating that it was implemented without adequate protection for working families, leading to a harsh reality for workers. Atiku emphasized that the wage increase has left workers with a smaller purchasing power, exacerbating hardships for households as fuel costs drive up prices of food and other essentials.

He urged Tinubu to provide clarity on his stance regarding another wage increase, stating that workers cannot remain in prolonged negotiations without a definite resolution. If elected in 2027, Atiku pledged to begin raising the wage floor immediately upon taking office and proposed measures to reduce the cost of living, such as supporting domestic production, targeted social protection, and interventions in the petroleum sector.