Our reporter
Veteran journalist Mukhtar Wakeel of Nasarawa State has added his voice to the ongoing discourse surrounding Nigeria’s new ₦70,500 minimum wage, urging workers to prioritize disciplined financial management.
Speaking on Saturday, Wakeel noted that while the wage may seem modest, it could suffice for a family if frivolous expenses are avoided.
“₦70,500 minimum wage is manageable if you avoid side chicks. I come in peace,” he quipped, sparking a wave of responses on social media.
Wakeel’s comment has reignited debates about lifestyle choices and their impact on financial well-being. Supporters of his view argue that disciplined spending is crucial for surviving in today’s economic climate.
Critics, however, counter that his remarks oversimplify the financial struggles many workers face, especially with inflation driving up the cost of living.
The discussion comes at a critical time, as workers across the country await full implementation of the new wage structure signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024. While more than 30 states have adopted the policy, states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Cross River, and Nasarawa are lagging, prompting the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to set a December 1, 2024, compliance deadline.
For many, Wakeel’s comments underscore the larger issue of how workers can stretch their earnings in an increasingly challenging economy. However, critics say addressing fundamental economic reforms, rather than lifestyle changes, is the key to making the minimum wage truly sustainable.
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