A call for action on the living wage issue echoed through the chambers of the House of Representatives as Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Rivers State, alongside 39 other lawmakers, pressed the Bola Tinubu-led administration to prioritize the implementation of a living wage for Nigerian workers.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, Chinda emphasized the pressing need for a significant increase in wages, pointing out the current economic strain that renders the monthly income insufficient for basic needs.
“The economy’s strain is palpable, and the current wage structure is simply inadequate. Workers are struggling to make ends meet, and it’s imperative that we move beyond a mere minimum wage to ensure a dignified standard of living,” remarked Chinda, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party.
Echoing Chinda’s sentiments, co-sponsor Odianosen Okojie, representing Esan North East/South East Federal Constituency, Edo State, emphasized the moral imperative of providing fair compensation for workers’ efforts.
“The plight of Nigerian workers cannot be ignored. A living wage is not just a matter of economic policy; it’s a matter of social justice. By addressing wage disparities, we can begin to tackle the systemic issues of poverty and inequality that plague our society,” asserted Okojie, a member of the All Progressives Congress.
Both lawmakers underscored the urgency of addressing socio-economic challenges through the implementation of a living wage, echoing the sentiments of many advocating for fair compensation and dignified livelihoods for Nigerian workers.
