The Nigerian Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has stated that his monthly salary is N942,000 after tax. He made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. Ngige also mentioned that there are no allowances for ministers except for duty allowances that apply when they have to travel for work.

The minister explained that his salary covers not only his wages, but also those of his PA, gardener, cook, and transportation. Furthermore, Ngige disclosed that travel allowances for ministers were recently revised to N100,000, with ministers of states and permanent secretaries earning N75,000 and N70,000, respectively.

ALSO READ: Civil servants will begin receiving their allowances in full starting in January – Chris Ngige

Ngige blamed the private sector, rather than the public sector, for the high unemployment rate in Nigeria, which increased to 33.3% in 2021. He argued that job creation was a shared responsibility, and not just that of the government. Ngige mentioned that there are industries and workplaces within the private sector where jobs can be created, such as agriculture.

He added that job creation is difficult when there isn’t enough money in circulation, a problem that he linked to a decrease in foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

Ngige’s comments come as calls for an increase in Nigeria’s N30,000 national minimum wage continue to grow. The minimum wage has not been adjusted since it was enacted in 2019, despite inflationary pressures that have made it more difficult for workers to make ends meet.