Obasanjo Criticizes Labour Leaders Over Alleged Betrayal In Wage Talks

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, stating that it is insufficient to meet workers’ basic needs. The minimum wage was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 following extensive negotiations with labor leaders.

Obasanjo has now accused labor leaders of betraying workers by putting personal interests ahead of collective welfare.

“That is the reality in Nigeria in the third decade of the 21st century,” Obasanjo wrote in his recently released book, Nigeria: Past and Future. “The minimum wage doesn’t even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep.”

He went on to say, “Due to their political ambitions, many union leaders have fallen short of the expectations set by the founding fathers. As a result, workers suffer under selfish leaders who use their positions for political gain.”

“Instead of negotiating for the workers’ benefit, they engage in posturing. Then, they are called into a room, given large sums of money, and they remain silent. This has been the pattern since 2015, and it’s only getting worse.”