Petroleum Engineer, Bala Zakka has questioned the adequacy of the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage, insisting that the amount is insufficient to sustain a typical Nigerian household.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Zakka criticized what he described as economic propaganda surrounding the wage increase, arguing that it does not reflect the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“As I speak to you today, let those economic theorists and all those propagandists that are using fake economic papers and analysis explain to me how N70,000 can feed a family of four,” he said.
According to him, the ongoing conversation about the wage hike has been clouded by misleading figures and theoretical models that fail to consider the high cost of living in the country. He noted that prices of essential goods, including food, transportation, and energy, have surged beyond the reach of many households, making the new minimum wage a symbolic gesture rather than a practical solution.
Zakka emphasized that the reality on the ground is starkly different from economic projections. He explained that the cost of staple foods, coupled with expenses on healthcare, education, and energy, means that a family of four cannot rely on N70,000 as a living wage.
His remarks add to growing criticism from labour unions and civil society groups who argue that the minimum wage should be tied to inflation and rising living costs. Many have called on government to go beyond wage increases and adopt policies that address structural economic challenges, such as food insecurity and dependence on imported fuel.
Zakka maintained that until pragmatic solutions are adopted, Nigerian families will continue to struggle despite adjustments to the minimum wage.
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