Israel Joe, a human rights activist from the Niger Delta, has pushed the federal government to pay lawmakers, regardless of their position in the government, 70,000 naira per month, the minimum wage, similar to that of public officials whose monthly salaries were just approved by the president.
In a statement given to reporters in Warri, Delta State, Comrade Joe made the call.
He contended that if the minimum pay of ₦70,000 benefits civil servants, it ought to benefit politicians as well.
He emphasized that everyone has an equal right to assistance and better living conditions.
However, Joe urged employees to express their regret rather than rejoice about the hike in the minimum wage, saying, “My simple opinion is that the minimum wage can’t even purchase a bag of rice and we should not joy over what we should sorrow over.”
He bemoaned the fact that a nation of such wealth would have to pay a minimum salary of less than fifty dollars to its workers.
“Our workers have finally settled for servitude and slavery.”
Comrade Joe expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership for setting a new standard of 100%.
