Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has asserted that the Nigerian government has sufficient resources to afford any amount as the new national minimum wage.
Organised Labour initially demanded a minimum wage of ₦494,000 but later reduced its demand to ₦250,000. In response, the government offered ₦62,000.
Amid the ongoing negotiations over the new national minimum wage, state governors have declared their inability to pay the ₦62,000 proposed by the government.
In reaction to this development, former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, expressed his views on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television.
Lamido argued that if the government could allocate ₦17 trillion for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway without seeking approval from the National Assembly, then it certainly has the financial capacity to afford any amount as the minimum wage.
He said, “Nigeria is very rich with resources and can overcome any problem and pay any amount we feel is responsible for Nigerians.
“If the government can embark on an N17 trillion project that is not in the budget, not advertised, not tendered for, or did not go through due process, it means that Nigeria got the money.
“How can a government execute a budget of N17 trillion without a budget or passing through the National Assembly, it means the money is there; there is money in Nigeria.
“If they can carry out such a project then they can pay any minimum wage.”