By Seyi Babalola
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s new the minimum wage of N70,000 for workers, which was approved last year.
Obasanjo claims it is insufficient to provide their fundamental requirements, such as transportation, food, and housing.
The former President also accused union leaders of betraying workers by putting personal interests ahead of collective welfare.
“That is the situation in Nigeria in the third decade of the 21st century.
“The minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep,” Obasanjo wrote in his newly released book, “Nigeria: Past and Future”.
Obasanjo also claimed labour leader are more interested in pursuing personal interests.
“Because of their political ambitions, most union leaders are ineffective compared to the founding fathers’ expectations.
“The workers thereby become victims of selfish leaders who use their positions to achieve political heights.
“Rather than negotiate in the interest of the workers, they do sabre-rattling and they are called into the room and money in large amounts is stuffed into their hands and they keep quiet.
“That has been the case since 2015. And, if anything, it is going from bad to worse,” Obasanjo added.
