FG’s proposed new minimum wage, starkly contrasts with NLC’s demand, highlighting the struggle between labour and FG to find a fair and sustainable wage that addresses current realities. NLC’s demand seems high; but it is rooted in the current economic challenges. It represents an aspiration towards a living wage. Conversely, the FG appears disconnected from the economic realities. Achieving this will require a collaborative effort, focused on long-term economic stability and growth. —Egememu Chima, Engineer

It’s quite unfortunate that Nigeria is still grappling with minimum wage issue 63 years after independence. With the rise in the cost of living, occasioned by faulty economic policies by those in power, the proposed minimum wage by the FG is grossly inadequate. A bag of rice is gradually going to N100K, a litre of fuel is heading to N1K; same with electricity tariff, school fees, etc. Nigerians provide for themselves without govt. support.. N615K per month is less than US$500 at N1,300 per dollar. So, what Labour is asking for may not be enough. —Godfrey Osakwe, Public Relations Expert

In my own opinion, considering the financial issues at hand in Nigeria, FG’s proposal is considerate to some extent for now, because the government should fulfill its promises than accept the N600K request that the Nigeria Labour Congress is asking and not able to fulfil it. It’s nothing but an outrageous request from Labour. —Omah Ijeoma Lucia, Educationist

I don’t think the FG can pay every single worker the amount of money the NLC is demanding because, with the current state of the economy, it’s obvious Nigeria will go bankrupt. On the other hand, it’ll still be good if the FG can increase the pay to a reasonable amount not this 54K they’re proposing because it’s so unfair and not reasonable for a man to thrive on that salary. It just doesn’t make sense. —Favour Ben-Ibekwe, Banker

The Federal Government knows the truth; there is no point deceiving Nigerians. Even the N48K is not in tandem with the realities of things and life in Nigeria currently. My plea is that our leaders should stop playing politics with our lives. They should please do the needful and make life meaningful for the masses. —Jejeloye Titi, Administrator

FG’s proposed new minimum wage as against NLC’s demand is not bad but it doesn’t reflect the reality of the average Nigerian. If the FG accedes to the demand for the formal sector at the federal level, what happens to states, the informal sector and private organisations? What happens to inflation, demand and supply, and organised crime? Payment should be within the limit of what the states can pay. Then, there can be a continuous engagement with the FG .—Benjamin O. Sanni, Cleric