In a bold statement, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has waded into the ongoing minimum wage discussion in Nigeria. Lamido, who is known for his outspoken nature, has claimed that “Nigeria is rich” and can afford to pay any amount as the minimum wage.
This comments come amid growing calls for the Nigerian government to increase the current minimum wage, which stands at 30,000 Naira (approximately $73 USD) per month. Lamido, who is a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the current administration of President Bola Tinubu of “doing everything wrong.”
Lamido’s remarks also touch on the longstanding debate around Tinubu’s role in the development of Lagos state, with the former governor claiming that “Tinubu never built Lagos” and that the state was built using “Nigerian money” for Tinubu’s personal benefit.
The minimum wage issue has been a contentious topic in Nigeria, with labor unions and civil society groups pushing for a higher minimum standard to address the rising cost of living. Lamido’s forceful intervention is likely to add fuel to the flames, as the government and its supporters defend their record.
As the debate rages on, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the government responds to Lamido’s bold assertions and whether any concrete steps are taken to address the minimum wage concerns raised by the former governor.