The Pastor in Charge of the Alpha and Omega Parish Region 17 Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Bauchi State Pastor Oyeyemi Abiodun Stephen has called for an increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage to N400000 saying the current N70000 cannot meet workers’ needs amid rising living costs.
Oyeyemi who is in charge of RCCG Region 17 in Bauchi said the minimum wage should reflect the economic realities facing Nigerian workers many of whom struggle to afford food rent and other basic needs.
‘The minimum wage in Nigeria should be nothing less than N400000. That’s the truth’ he said.
The cleric however said the amount could be reduced to N300000 if the government addressed inflation and brought down the cost of living.
‘Maybe inflation is addressed then it should be N300000. If it’s not addressed it should be a minimum of N400000’ he said.
Explaining his position Oyeyemi said he understood the financial pressure facing ordinary Nigerians despite his position as a senior pastor.
‘By the grace of God I am a senior pastor and I know my income. By the grace of God I have rented an apartment I know how much is coming in’ he said.
‘But when you look at these ones it’s only God that can help them’ he added.
The pastor also called on the government to create more jobs and introduce special programmes for young people warning that unemployment was leaving many youths without opportunities.
‘Declare emergency on youth. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Many of them are jobless’ he said.
He added that the lack of jobs was pushing some young people into crime and internet fraud urging the government to provide opportunities that would help them earn a living.
Oyeyemi also called for increased local production of petroleum products questioning why Nigeria continued to import fuel and engine oil despite its natural resources.
‘Let’s be producing petroleum products ourselves. We have everything in this country. Why must we be importing fuel? Why must we be importing engine oil and others?’ he asked.
Speaking about petrol prices the cleric said he bought a litre for N1420 about two weeks ago. He questioned whether announced fuel discounts would provide lasting relief to Nigerians.
He urged political leaders to focus on the welfare of ordinary citizens saying many were struggling to cope with the economic situation.
‘We want a leader that will take care of the masses. Masses are hungry. They are tired’ he said.