A politician based in Abuja, Austin Okai, has sparked debate online after claiming that Abuja residents earning less than ₦300,000 monthly are barely different from Almajiris.

According to Okai, the only major difference between the two groups is the plate used by Almajiris to beg for money.

Okai made the remark in a Facebook post while discussing the impact of the declining value of the naira and the rising cost of living in the Federal Capital Territory.

He argued that workers earning below ₦300,000 in Abuja are struggling to maintain a decent standard of living due to the high cost of accommodation, food and transportation.

He wrote:

“If your salary is not up to at least 300k in Abuja, the difference between you and Almajiri is just the plate. Business [is] better alternative now. Our currency is destroyed.”

The statement has generated mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that inflation and the rising cost of living have significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers, while others criticised the comparison as insensitive.

The comment has further fuelled discussions about wages, inflation, economic hardship and the cost of living in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.