The Pastor in Charge of the Alpha and Omega Parish, Region 17 Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Bauchi State, Oyeyemi, has called for an increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage to N400,000, saying the current N70,000 cannot meet workers’ needs amid rising living costs.

Oyeyemi, who heads 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 necessities.

“The minimum wage in Nigeria should be nothing less than N400,000. That’s the truth,” he said in an interview with the newspaper’s correspondent.

The cleric, however, said the figure could be reduced to N300,000 if the government addressed inflation and lowered the cost of living.

“Maybe inflation is addressed, then it should be N300,000. If it’s not addressed, it should be a minimum of N400,000,” he said.

Explaining his position, Oyeyemi said his experience as a senior pastor who earns an income and pays rent has given him an understanding of the financial pressures ordinary Nigerians face.

“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 urged the government to create more jobs and introduce special programmes for young people, warning that unemployment was leaving many youths without opportunities.

“Declare an 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 N1,420 about two weeks ago. He questioned whether announced fuel discounts would provide lasting relief to Nigerians.

He urged political leaders to focus on ordinary citizens’ welfare, saying many were struggling to cope with the economic situation.

“A leader who will take care of the masses. The masses are hungry. They are tired,” he said. (The Nation)