Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to increase Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage. He said rising fuel, transport, food and housing costs have eroded workers’ purchasing power. Atiku is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election. He made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Nigeria’s minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 in 2024. President Tinubu signed the bill into law in July 2024. The increase followed negotiations between the federal government, state governments, employers and organised labour. Atiku argues the increase has been overtaken by the cost of living. He compared the purchasing power of the old and new wages. When petrol sold at ₦254.06 per litre in April 2023, ₦30,000 could buy about 118 litres. At the current price of about ₦1,400 per litre, ₦70,000 can buy only 50 litres.
Atiku said the current minimum wage is no longer sufficient to meet basic needs. He blamed the pressure on households partly on the removal of the petrol subsidy. He said the policy was implemented without adequate protection for workers. He said petrol prices affect transportation, food production and other goods and services. “Petrol does not stay at the pump,” he said. Atiku challenged Tinubu to review the wage. He promised to do so from his first day in office if elected. He argued that the wage increase had been overtaken by rising costs. The statement is part of his 2027 campaign messaging.
Winners: Workers, if the wage review happens. Atiku, who gains a campaign issue. Labour unions, which gain support for their demands. Losers: The Federal Government, which faces criticism. State governments, which may struggle to pay higher wages. Taxpayers, if wage increases require higher taxes. Employers, if labour costs rise.
Bottom Line: Atiku wants a higher minimum wage. He promises a review from day one. Workers are struggling. The naira has weakened. The wage has not kept pace.