Senator Orji Kalu recently visited Abia State Governor Alex Otti, where he reiterated his proposal for a N90,000 minimum wage for workers. This visit took place at Otti’s residence in the Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area, amidst ongoing discussions between labour unions and the Federal Government regarding a new wage structure.
During the visit, Kalu emphasized that the current Federal Government’s proposal of N62,000 is insufficient, advocating instead for a N90,000 minimum wage. He argued that with no increase in the minimum wage for the past five years and the rising inflation, N90,000 is a more reasonable and practical figure. “I propose N90,000 because the civil servants need better treatment,” Kalu stated.
Labour unions have been pushing for a N250,000 minimum wage after months of negotiations with government authorities and the organized private sector. While President Bola Tinubu received the recommendation of the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage, he emphasized that the government would only agree to an amount it could afford.
Apart from discussing the minimum wage, Senator Kalu also assessed President Tinubu’s performance since taking office. While he commended the president for his economic policies, Kalu criticized the administration’s failure to address the increasing hunger in the country. “The monetary policy is very good, but we are not growing more food. I want us to grow more food,” Kalu remarked.
Governor Otti, welcoming Kalu, emphasized his commitment to serving all residents of Abia State, regardless of their political affiliations. “As the governor of Abia State, I’m not a governor of any political party. Any political party that anybody belongs to is his choice. Once you are from Abia or you live in Abia, you are part and parcel of this government,” Otti stated.
This visit and the discussions highlight the ongoing debate about fair wages in Nigeria and the efforts of political leaders to address economic challenges while prioritizing the welfare of the citizens.
