The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to follow the example of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, by increasing the state's minimum wage from N70,000 to N150,000.

In a statement issued yesterday in Ilorin and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party said the current minimum wage, set in October 2024, is no longer sufficient given prevailing economic conditions.

It described the N70,000 wage as the lowest among neighbouring states and stated that it "has long outlived its relevance with the current economic realities in the country."

The PDP said the call was necessary due to the widespread hardship being experienced by citizens, including public sector workers.

"Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as both Kwara Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), should set a positive example by raising the minimum wage from N70,000 to N150,000," the party stated.

It added that the state's growing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and substantial federal allocations should be reflected in improved take-home pay for civil servants.

The PDP maintained that "it is unacceptable that the NYSC corps member now earns more monthly pay than a Grade Level 8 Kwara State civil servant.

"The N70,000 minimum wage set by the Kwara government since October 2024, which is the lowest in the neighbouring states, has long outlived its relevance with the current economic realities in the country.

"Our party is of the firm belief that the governor is deliberately shying away from his responsibilities to the workers by failing to invest in their welfare, which is critical to ensuring productivity, improving the local economy and reducing spate of insecurity."

The PDP stated that, "A government that is investing N30 billion in mere hotel renovations, planning to buy N1.4 billion worth of cars for House of Assembly members, and acquire N80 million worth of vehicles for each local government chairmen should not find it difficult to give hardworking workers what is due to them.

"We strongly believe that the governor is deliberately shying away from his responsibility to invest in the welfare of workers a critical factor in boosting productivity, stimulating the local economy and arresting the spate of insecurity.

"With the size of federal allocations coming to Kwara and the strength of its IGR, the state can conveniently afford a minimum wage of at least N150,000 for its workforce."

The party therefore called on the state government to rise up to this new gesture so as to advance the socioeconomic well being of workers in the state.