Think about this: You earn ₦70,000 a month, but with the average price of petrol at ₦995 per liter, you can only afford about 70 liters. That’s hardly enough to get you to work and back. Now imagine families who rely on public transport—fares have gone up due to high fuel prices, forcing them to spend even more just to move around. Is that fair? Raising the minimum wage to ₦100,000 isn’t just a number—it’s a way to help Nigerian workers survive and live better lives.
Rising transport and food prices, especially during Christmas, have made life incredibly difficult for many Nigerians. Reports show that families are struggling with high transport fares and food costs, largely driven by expensive petrol. Commuters are paying inflated fares, while the prices of basic food items have surged, making it nearly impossible for some families to celebrate the holidays. These challenges highlight the urgent need for a wage increase to bring relief to households.
Interestingly, recent reports show that several Nigerian governors have approved Christmas bonuses of ₦100,000 or more for workers. This is a commendable move that acknowledges the economic pressures on workers during the festive season. However, it also raises an important question: if governors can mobilize resources for these generous bonuses, why not use the same capacity to ensure workers consistently earn a living wage of ₦100,000? These bonuses demonstrate that such an amount is feasible, not just as a one-time payment but as a starting point for long-term wage adjustments.
The proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage wasn’t chosen randomly. It’s based on the cost of essential needs like fuel, food, housing, healthcare, and education. With ₦100,000, workers can afford to meet their basic needs and even save a little. For example, with petrol at ₦995 per liter, someone earning ₦100,000 can buy about 100 liters of fuel—enough for daily transport and other vital expenses like food and school fees.
Imagine a family struggling to make ends meet. They are forced to choose between buying food and paying for transport. A higher wage could change their lives. Parents could provide nutritious meals for their children, pay bills on time, and cover school fees without stress. It would give them the chance to plan for the future and build a better life, rather than just surviving day-to-day.
When workers earn more, they spend more—and that’s good news for businesses. Small shops, local markets, and even big companies will see more customers. This increased spending creates jobs and fuels economic growth. Small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, would thrive as more people can afford their products and services. In the long run, this cycle of spending and growth strengthens communities and ensures economic stability.
High petrol prices don’t just impact transport—they make everything more expensive. Delivery trucks run on fuel, so when fuel prices rise, the costs of food and medicine go up too. Raising wages helps families manage these extra costs. Without it, people are forced to choose between paying rent and buying food. No one should have to make such choices, especially when solutions are possible and within reach.
Raising the minimum wage to ₦100,000 is just the beginning. Imagine if Nigeria had reliable and affordable public transport—buses and trains that reduce dependence on costly fuel. What if subsidies made food and healthcare more affordable, allowing wage increases to stretch even further? Investing in renewable energy like solar and wind power could stabilize energy costs, making life more affordable in the long term. Together, these changes could create a stronger, more sustainable economy for everyone.
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. Raising the minimum wage gives families a chance to live with dignity. It means children can stay in school, parents can provide for their families, and everyone gets a fair shot at a better future. Don’t you agree it’s time for a change? Raising the minimum wage to ₦100,000 is a critical first step toward addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Stay tuned for a more comprehensive article that will dive deeper into why this move is essential and how it could help solve Nigeria’s current ordeal.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
