Rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has defended calls for a ₦500,000 minimum wage in Nigeria, arguing that the country has the resources to support workers if public funds are properly managed.

In a statement posted on his official page, Sowore criticised what he described as excessive spending by political office holders, saying the issue is not a lack of money but the prioritisation of government expenditure.

He dismissed arguments that Nigeria cannot afford a higher minimum wage, insisting that workers should benefit fairly from national resources.

Sowore also referenced allegations circulating online concerning financial dealings linked to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, though no official findings were cited in his statement.

He said, “If there is money for politicians, there must be money for workers.”

According to him, “₦500,000 minimum wage is not the problem. The problem is a political class that treats public funds as private property while millions of Nigerians suffer.”

Sowore further argued that Nigeria’s economic difficulties stem largely from corruption and misplaced priorities rather than insufficient revenue.

He maintained that addressing governance inefficiencies would make it possible to improve workers’ welfare and strengthen the economy.