Dasuki renews call for N100,000 minimum wage, says states can afford it

The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, has renewed his call for the implementation of a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers.

The lawmaker insisted that state governments now have the financial capacity to pay the amount without waiting for federal approval.

Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Tuesday, Dasuki dismissed that governors did not have to consult with President Bola Tinubu before increasing workers’ salaries.

He also argued that the improved revenue profile of states makes the proposed wage realistic and achievable.

“I don’t think governors need to wait for consultations with the president before implementing a new minimum wage. Most states today have the capacity to pay N100,000 and even above, considering the increased revenues accruing to them,” Dasuki stated.

The lawmaker said that improving workers’ welfare had become imperative in view of the prevailing economic realities, rising inflation and the increasing cost of living across the country.

Dasuki, however, outlined the vision of the newly constituted Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, pledging to provide a principled, credible and effective opposition that would prioritise accountability, transparency, and policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

“Our primary responsibility is not opposition for its own sake, but constructive opposition that promotes good governance, accountability, transparency and laws that improve the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

The Deputy Minority Leader said the caucus would draw inspiration from the leadership style of former Minority Leader and current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, describing his tenure between 2011 and 2015 as a model of effective and responsible opposition politics.

“Our minimum standard as a caucus will be the exemplary minority leadership once provided by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who demonstrated that a vibrant and responsible opposition is essential to strengthening democracy by holding the government accountable and ensuring that the interests of the people remain paramount in parliament,” he added.

Dasuki further urged governors in Northern Nigeria to deepen collaboration in tackling the region’s security challenges, noting that banditry, kidnapping and terrorism have become trans-border crimes that require collective action.

He further advocated stronger cooperation between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, particularly Niger, to combat insurgency and violent extremism through joint security operations.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Abdullahi Maigwandu, praised Dasuki’s leadership qualities and criticised some lawmakers from the state, describing them as “bench warmers” in the National Assembly.

Maigwandu said the ADC would continue to engage the ruling party through constructive criticism and work towards unseating the government at both state and federal levels in future elections.