Even Dogs at Government House Cost More Than N18,000 to Maintain - Ben Bruce Slams Governors Over Minimum Wage

Posted by Lolade on Tue 24th Nov, 2015 - tori.ng

Ben Murray Bruce has tackled governors over their complaints that the payment of the 18,000 minimum wage to workers is causing a strain.

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce

Owner of Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce reacted to plans by some state governors to reduce the N18, 000 minimum wage being paid to civil servants.

The Governors had last week said they were planning on reducing the minimum wage due to the downward turn of the economy and reduced Federal allocation.

Sen. Ben Murray Bruce argues that the N18, 000 being paid is not even enough to maintain the dogs in the government house let alone human beings.

Senator Ben Bruce representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District therefore advised state governors against contemplating with the move which according to him is unjustifiable.

The senator in a series of tweets noted that reducing the amount which can barely take care of any family in the country is an invitation of crime and corruption among workers, Vanguard reports.

Bruce said: “A worker with a family earns less than a member of the NYSC who earns N19,800. Reducing his pay is unconscionable! A man earning N18k struggles to pay rent, feed family & pay school fees. To reduce his pay is to punish his family. If FG & state govts dont pay workers well they invite workers to steal. To end corruption we must pay workers well.”

State governors under the auspice of Nigeria Governors’ Forum at their meeting reportedly complained about the minimum wage of N18, 000 stating that they can no longer pay due to dwindling economic fortune of the country following the free fall oil in the global market.

He said: "I know for a fact that even dogs at government House cost more than 18k to maintain."