The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Honourable Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, has declared that an average Nigerian worker can no longer purchase essential commodities like rice and other food items.

Olajide, who represents Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency in Oyo State, used the opportunity to call for an urgent upward review of the minimum wage in the country.

The lawmaker, who was elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintained that the monthly minimum wage is grossly inadequate for the average Nigerian worker.

He made these declarations on the floor of the green chamber in Abuja on Wednesday.

The lawmaker lamented that an average Nigerian worker cannot afford to buy a bag of rice, let alone meet their basic needs, with their current take home.

He noted that the current economic realities in the country have made it imperative for the government to review the minimum wage to reflect the current economic situation.

He added that there is a need to ensure that our workers are well-paid and motivated so as to contribute to the growth and development of our country.

“The National Assembly and indeed the House of Representatives must come to the aid of Nigerians by enacting a better wage bill and an improved salary structure to better the lot of the Nigerian masses and workforce.

“The cost of living in Nigeria has skyrocketed, and the minimum wage of 60,000 naira being offered by the federal government is no longer realistic.

We need to review the minimum wage to reflect the current economic realities in the country.

“Nigerian workers are the backbone of our economy, and their welfare should be a priority for the government. We need to ensure that our workers are well-paid and motivated to contribute to the growth and development of our country.”