Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has called on the Federal Government to ensure that civil servants receive a minimum monthly salary of at least N100,000 to truly alleviate the economic struggles faced by the masses. Gabam made this statement during his appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Sunday.
This appeal follows closely on the heels of a nationwide strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), demanding an increased minimum wage and a reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike. The strike was temporarily suspended for five days after labor leaders and the Federal Government agreed to resume negotiations and establish a new minimum wage within a week.
By the end of last week, the Tripartite Committee concluded its discussions, with the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector settling on a proposed N62,000 minimum wage, while labor unions demanded N250,000. Gabam, however, argued that setting the wage above N100,000 would be more reasonable and prevent civil servants from feeling compelled to undermine the system.
Gabam said, “The government should consider a minimum wage above N100,000. This amount is more sensible and would allow workers to live with dignity, reducing the temptation to sabotage institutional processes.”
He criticized the stance of some Nigerian governors, who claimed that a minimum wage exceeding N60,000 would be unsustainable. Gabam argued that with proper prioritization and the elimination of ghost workers, states could afford to pay this amount.
He called for a reassessment of the fuel subsidy removal policy. He argued that the abrupt removal of the subsidy had predictable and painful economic consequences, affecting consumption, supply, and demand across the nation. Gabam concluded by stressing that the government should have anticipated and prepared for the fallout from such a significant policy change.
