Even if politicians receive zero pay, govt still can’t afford N30,000 minimum wage— Adesina

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, has argued that N30,000 minimum wage for civil servants, as advocated for by the organised labour, is not practicable.

Labour, insisting on N30,000, has rejected the proposal of the federal government to raise the minimum wage from N18,000 to N24,000.

Speaking during a Channels TV programme on Thursday, Adesina said even if public office holders sacrifice their entire pay, government will still not be able to afford such minimum wage.

He said the fact that some governors are unable to pay the N18,000 makes the N30,000 proposal unfeasible.

Read also: Ngige says FG will not restrict activities of organised labour

“So if they can’t pay N18,000 and labour is asking for N30,000 and they refuse to come lower, there may be a stalemate which will not be good for the country,” he said.

“I think in the spirit of negotiation, labour should not insist on N30,000.”

Asked if the political class “especially members of the All Progressives Congress (APC)” agreeing to reduce their salaries will not make the new minimum wage demand possible, the presidential spokesman replied, “I doubt.”

“Even if they decide not to collect anything, it still doesn’t take care of N30,000 minimum wage; it doesn’t.

“Maybe if the members of the national assembly concede part of their salaries and allowances, it can make a dent on minimum wage. But other office holders don’t earn anything outrageous.”

 

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