By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is criticizing Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration over the N70,000 minimum wage implemented in October 2024.
According to the PDP, this wage is insufficient considering the state’s substantial federal allocations and impressive Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
They argue that the governor’s decision to invest N30 billion in hotel renovations, N1.4 billion on cars for lawmakers, and N80 million on vehicles for local government chairmen contradicts his inability to provide a better minimum wage for workers.
According to PDP, “It is unacceptable that a corps member now earns more monthly pay than a Grade Level 8 Kwara’s civil servant.”
They also said, “With the size of federal allocations coming to Kwara and the strength of its IGR, the state can conveniently afford a minimum wage of at least ₦150,000 for its workforce.”
The PDP’s call for a wage increase comes after Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants, up from N76,000. In contrast, Kwara’s N70,000 minimum wage is considered “lifeless” and insufficient to cover even a worker’s monthly transportation expenses.
The party urges Labour leaders in Kwara State to demand a living wage, stating the state’s financial capacity to support a minimum wage of at least ₦150,000.
