Mixed reactions trail N70,000 minimum wage in Enugu

President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants has sparked varied reactions in Enugu. While some commend the president for resolving the minimum wage issue, others believe the amount is insufficient given the current economic challenges.

Pathwaynews reports that Tinubu announced the new minimum wage on Thursday during a meeting with organized labour leaders in Abuja. This new wage, pending approval by the National Assembly, will replace the N30,000 minimum wage that expired on April 18, 2024.

Olu Omotayo, an Enugu-based lawyer and President of the Citizens’ Rights Realization and Advancement Network (CRRAN), praised Tinubu for ending the prolonged negotiations between organized labour and the tripartite committee. He noted that Tinubu’s intervention brought a feasible solution, considering the limited number of civil servants compared to the country’s over 200 million population. Omotayo emphasized the need for full implementation of the new wage to benefit workers.

Civil servant Mr. Matthew Ugbo also commended the agreement, urging the government to promptly send the bill to the National Assembly for accelerated passage and immediate implementation once enacted.

However, Mr. Godsown Onuzulike, President of The Potters Wheel, Enugu, argued that N70,000 is insufficient to meet daily needs and market costs, especially for a civil servant supporting a family of four. He advised workers to reduce expenses by choosing more affordable schools and accommodation.

Mr. Christian Alumona, another civil servant, echoed concerns about the new wage’s inadequacy. He questioned how workers could cope with N70,000 when essential items like rice cost nearly N100,000. Alumona suggested a minimum wage of N100,000 to N150,000 and expressed concerns that consequential adjustments could reduce the wage to N60,000 after deductions.

Mrs. Lilian Okolo shared similar sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with the N70,000 minimum wage. She highlighted the high cost of living, including fuel prices at N780 per litre in Enugu, making it challenging for civil servants to manage with the proposed wage. Okolo expected a minimum wage of at least N100,000.

President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants has sparked varied reactions in Enugu. While some commend the president for resolving the minimum wage issue, others believe the amount is insufficient given the current economic challenges.

Pathwaynews reports that Tinubu announced the new minimum wage on Thursday during a meeting with organized labour leaders in Abuja. This new wage, pending approval by the National Assembly, will replace the N30,000 minimum wage that expired on April 18, 2024.

Olu Omotayo, an Enugu-based lawyer and President of the Citizens’ Rights Realization and Advancement Network (CRRAN), praised Tinubu for ending the prolonged negotiations between organized labour and the tripartite committee. He noted that Tinubu’s intervention brought a feasible solution, considering the limited number of civil servants compared to the country’s over 200 million population. Omotayo emphasized the need for full implementation of the new wage to benefit workers.

Civil servant Mr. Matthew Ugbo also commended the agreement, urging the government to promptly send the bill to the National Assembly for accelerated passage and immediate implementation once enacted.

However, Mr. Godsown Onuzulike, President of The Potters Wheel, Enugu, argued that N70,000 is insufficient to meet daily needs and market costs, especially for a civil servant supporting a family of four. He advised workers to reduce expenses by choosing more affordable schools and accommodation.

Mr. Christian Alumona, another civil servant, echoed concerns about the new wage’s inadequacy. He questioned how workers could cope with N70,000 when essential items like rice cost nearly N100,000. Alumona suggested a minimum wage of N100,000 to N150,000 and expressed concerns that consequential adjustments could reduce the wage to N60,000 after deductions.

Mrs. Lilian Okolo shared similar sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with the N70,000 minimum wage. She highlighted the high cost of living, including fuel prices at N780 per litre in Enugu, making it challenging for civil servants to manage with the proposed wage. Okolo expected a minimum wage of at least N100,000.