ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to President Bola Tinubu, recently underscored the stark contrast between South Africa’s national minimum wage and that of Nigeria, shedding light on the profound poverty prevalent in the so-called giant of Africa.
In an interview with ARISE TV on Monday night, Onanuga emphasized Nigeria’s status as a profoundly impoverished nation.
“Nigeria is a very, very poor country,” Mr Onanuga said in an interview with ARISE TV on Monday night.
The presidential spokesperson stressed on the misperception surrounding Nigeria’s wealth, labeling it as exaggerated.
“I will tell (you) why I say we are a poor country. I think we have a wrong impression of the wealth of our country. It is exaggerated,” Mr Onanuga said.
READ ALSO: Labour Contemplates N1m Minimum Wage Amid Rising Inflation
Mr Onanuga added, “Start from minimum wage: when you compare our country to South Africa. South Africa’s minimum wage is about $240 per month.
“Nigeria’s N33,000 minimum wage is just about $39. Look at the gap. And you can see this reflects in other wages.”
In contrast, Nigeria’s N33,000 minimum wage equates to approximately $39. The glaring disparity is evident, and it extends to other wage categories.”
On Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) criticized President Bola Tinubu for allegedly mistreating workers.
Mr. Onanuga’s remarks come amid mounting pressure from the Nigeria Labour Congress for a review of the minimum wage, prompted by escalating inflation eroding the value of the naira.
Meanwhile, both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria have issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to President Tinubu’s administration.
The notice stems from alleged non-compliance with the 16-point agreement reached with organized labour on 2 October, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has precipitated untold hardship for workers and citizens alike.