Outrage as Senator’s Aide Resigns Over Meagre ₦20,000 Monthly Salary

A longtime aide to Nigerian Senator Olajide Ipinsagba has officially resigned from his position, citing poor remuneration after earning just ₦20,000 monthly a salary far below Nigeria’s minimum wage standard.

Oluwatunbosun Awe, who began working with Senator Ipinsagba in 2006 as a campaign secretary, later served as a personal assistant and Ward Liaison Officer for Isowopo Ward 2 in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Despite his nearly two-decade-long service, Awe revealed that he had been earning a stagnant monthly stipend of ₦20,000, prompting his resignation after repeated appeals for a salary increase were ignored.

“I have served with loyalty and dedication, but the financial strain is no longer bearable,” Awe said in a statement that has since gone viral on social media, sparking national conversations about the working conditions of political aides in Nigeria.

Senator Ipinsagba has yet to issue an official response.

Awe’s resignation adds to the growing discourse around fair compensation and labour rights in public service. With the Nigerian government currently facing pressure to implement a realistic national minimum wage, many view this incident as a symbol of broader systemic issues.

The revelation ignited backlash online, with many Nigerians expressing outrage:

• @iamPherz: “₦20k is below minimum wage. I understand his frustration.”
• @adahobehira: “Give me his contact. I can pay him constitutionally ₦70k.”
• @ABMetaX_: “He resigned for ₦20k? That’s unacceptable.”

“It’s disgraceful that someone serving in public office receives such a meagre amount in 2025. It tells you everything about how low aides are valued,” one user commented.