Senator Ali Ndume has rejected the Federal Government’s N70,000 minimum wage, stating that it is inadequate to meet the basic needs of Nigerians, especially with the current surge in the cost of living.
Speaking in Borno South, Ndume criticized the wage, pointing out that it no longer covers essential goods such as food, which have become increasingly expensive.
He highlighted that a 50kg bag of rice, which now costs over N100,000, is beyond the reach of those earning the minimum wage.
Similarly, the cost of a 100kg bag of beans, which is priced at about N200,000, is also far out of the financial reach of minimum wage earners.
Ndume emphasized that this situation is unacceptable and urged the government to take more effective measures to address the economic difficulties Nigerians are facing.
His comments come amid rising inflation, food insecurity, and a growing cost of living, which have become key concerns for Nigerians. The senator also drew attention to the increase in fuel prices, noting that a litre of fuel, once priced around N200, now ranges from N970 to N1,200 in different parts of the country.
Ndume called for urgent reforms, stressing that while the government’s economic policies may be well-intentioned, they need to be more aligned with the realities of daily life for ordinary Nigerians. He advocated for a return to agriculture as a long-term solution to the country’s food crisis and encouraged the youth to engage in farming and other productive sectors.
The senator also expressed opposition to the proposed tax reforms under President Bola Tinubu, urging traditional leaders in his constituency to reject them. He argued that these new tax policies would only worsen the plight of the people and called for a greater focus on food production and agricultural investments to address the country’s economic challenges.
Ndume concluded by reiterating that focusing on local agricultural production and reducing reliance on imports is essential for Nigeria’s economic recovery.
“The minimum wage of N70,000 can no longer afford a 50kg bag of rice, which now costs over N100,000, nor can it cover the price of a 100kg bag of beans, which is being sold for N200,000.
“This is an unacceptable situation, and the government needs to do more to address the economic hardship that citizens are facing,” Ndume lamented.
“The only way out of this crisis is to focus on agriculture. We need to encourage local production and reduce our reliance on imports,” Ndume added.
