Senator Ali Ndume has rejected the proposed N70,000 minimum wage, describing it as grossly inadequate to address the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
Speaking in Borno South, Ndume highlighted the harsh economic realities faced by Nigerians, particularly the soaring prices of essential commodities.
“A 50kg bag of rice now costs over N100,000, and a 100kg bag of beans sells for N200,000. The minimum wage of N70,000 cannot even buy a bag of rice, let alone meet other basic needs. This situation is unacceptable,” Ndume lamented.
He also expressed concerns about the skyrocketing cost of fuel, noting that prices have surged from approximately N200 per litre to between N970 and N1,200 in various parts of the country.
Ndume called on the government to implement urgent reforms to alleviate the economic hardship experienced by citizens. While he acknowledged the intentions behind President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, he emphasized the need for these measures to align with the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The senator proposed a renewed focus on agriculture as a sustainable solution to the nation’s food crisis. “We must return to agriculture. Encouraging local production and reducing reliance on imports is the only way out of this crisis,” he said, urging Nigerian youths to embrace farming and other productive ventures.
Ndume also voiced his opposition to the new tax reforms proposed by President Tinubu, urging traditional leaders in his constituency to resist them.
He argued that these reforms would exacerbate the suffering of the populace and emphasized the need for more targeted investments in food production and agricultural development.
“The government must prioritize policies that directly address the immediate needs of Nigerians. The focus should be on creating sustainable solutions to inflation, food insecurity, and the cost of living,” he concluded.