Lawmakers in the House of Representatives elected on the platform of opposition political parties have called on the Federal Government to implement a new minimum wage of more than 100,000 naira to alleviate organized labour.

In an interview with newsmen, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, KINGSLEY CHINDA, lamented the condition of the average Nigerian worker, stressing that failure to pay a living wage was a constitutional breach.

According to him, the Nigerian worker is heavily underpaid, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure their welfare. 

Also speaking, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, OLUWOLE OKE, said only the payment of a living wage would enable the majority of Nigerians to cope with the current economic realities.

OLUWOLE, who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary, urged the private sector to be taken into consideration.

On his part, the lawmaker representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory, CHINEDU OBIKA said the minimum wage should not be less than 150,000 naira based on the current reality.

OBIKA, who is also a member of the Labour Party, further urged the Federal Government to take into consideration the inflation rate in the past few years, when considering the new wage for the Nigerian workers.