ABUJA, NIGERIA – The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has pledged to introduce a ₦500,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers if elected president, describing the proposal as a necessary response to worsening economic hardship and rising living costs across the country.
The presidential hopeful made the statement while outlining his economic reform agenda ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, where he continues to campaign on a platform of systemic political and economic restructuring under his RevolutionNow movement.
The declaration has triggered widespread public debate, with supporters describing it as a bold pro-worker policy, while critics have questioned its feasibility within Nigeria’s current economic and revenue structure.
Sowore insisted that ₦500,000 is not excessive when viewed against the backdrop of inflation, currency depreciation, and the escalating cost of essential goods and services affecting millions of Nigerians.
He argued that workers in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and security deserve compensation that reflects the true value of their labour and the risks associated with their responsibilities.
According to him, police officers, soldiers, teachers, doctors, nurses, and other public servants have remained underpaid for years despite their critical contributions to national development and stability.
He added that workers in high-risk and essential service roles should also receive additional allowances to compensate for the dangers and demands of their jobs.
Sowore maintained that improving workers’ welfare would enhance productivity, strengthen public institutions, and help reduce corruption within government systems.
He further linked the proposed wage increase to broader calls for economic restructuring, arguing that Nigeria’s current system requires fundamental reforms to ensure fairness and sustainability.
The AAC candidate stated that the existing minimum wage framework is inadequate and no longer reflects Nigeria’s current economic realities, particularly in urban areas where the cost of living continues to rise sharply.
Political observers note that the proposal stands as one of the most ambitious wage commitments in recent Nigerian political discourse and is likely to generate continued national debate.
Labour analysts have pointed out that minimum wage discussions in Nigeria have historically been contentious, often involving complex negotiations between government, labour unions, and private sector stakeholders.
Some economic experts have raised concerns about how such a wage level could be funded, warning that it may place significant pressure on government finances without corresponding revenue growth or economic expansion.
Others, however, argue that the proposal could push necessary conversations around tax reform, revenue generation, and prioritisation of public spending.
Supporters of the AAC candidate believe the proposal reflects growing frustration among citizens over wage stagnation and widening inequality in the country.
They argue that existing wage structures have failed to keep up with inflation, leaving many full-time workers unable to afford basic living standards.
The debate has further reignited questions about the role of government in ensuring social welfare and whether current compensation systems can sustain dignified living conditions for Nigerian workers.
As the election cycle draws closer, Sowore’s ₦500,000 minimum wage promise is expected to remain a central topic in discussions on labour rights, economic policy, and governance reforms across Nigeria.
