Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has voiced strong concerns regarding the feasibility of a proposed N500,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Nigeria. He argues that such a drastic increase could lead to a complete economic shutdown, urging labour leaders to consider the broader implications of their demands.

In a statement released through his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Primate Ayodele emphasized that while there is a pressing need for an increase in the minimum wage, the proposed figure is simply too high for the current economic climate. He stated, "The Nigerian government cannot pay a N500,000 minimum wage to civil servants. It’s a thing that will never come to pass; it can only be improved gradually so that it won’t cause economic hardship."

The clergyman acknowledged the struggles faced by many households in Nigeria, pointing out that the existing minimum wage does not adequately meet the needs of citizens. He stressed that any increase in wages must be approached with caution to avoid exacerbating the already fragile economy.

Primate Ayodele's comments come amid ongoing discussions among labour leaders and the government regarding wage adjustments. He urged these leaders to be more considerate in their demands, suggesting that a more gradual increase would be a more sustainable approach.

The current minimum wage in Nigeria has been a topic of heated debate, with many advocating for a significant raise to better reflect the cost of living. However, Primate Ayodele's warning serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between improving workers' conditions and maintaining economic stability.

As the conversation around minimum wage continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of labour leaders and whether a compromise can be reached that satisfies both workers and the economic realities of the nation.