Former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani has issued a stark warning about the potential fallout from recent decisions by several states to lay off hundreds of thousands of workers.
Sani’s statement on his verified Twitter account highlights the critical social risks associated with these mass layoffs. He noted, “The states sacking 600k workers in order to implement the new minimum wage will increase the risk of insecurity, crime, suicide, and divorce rates in the country.”
This assertion comes as states grapple with the economic realities of implementing the new minimum wage law. The law, designed to improve the earnings of the lowest-paid workers, has paradoxically led to job losses as states struggle to balance their budgets. According to reports, approximately 600,000 workers are at risk of losing their jobs as a direct consequence of this financial strain.
Sani’s concerns center on the broader societal impact of such significant job cuts. The immediate loss of income for these workers threatens to push many families into financial despair, potentially leading to increased crime rates as individuals turn to desperate measures to make ends meet. Furthermore, the psychological toll of unemployment is likely to exacerbate rates of suicide, already a growing concern in Nigeria.
The former senator also highlights the potential strain on family dynamics. Job loss and financial instability are well-known factors contributing to higher divorce rates, as couples face the stress of managing without a stable income. The ripple effects of these layoffs could thus undermine family structures across the country.