By James Moses (9News Nigeria -Jos)
Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has asserted that the Nigerian government has sufficient resources to afford any amount as the national minimum wage.
Organised Labour initially demanded a minimum wage of N494,000 but later reduced its demand to N250,000. In response, the Government offered N62000.
Amid ongoing negotiations over the new national minimum wage, State Governors have declared their inability to pay the N62, 000 proposed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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 Federal Government could allocate N17 trillion for 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 for Nigerians.
“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 a N17 trillion project that is not in the budget, not advertised, not tendered for, or did not go through due process, 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”, he said.
-9News Nigeria.