The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the Federal Government to urgently review the national minimum wage, warning that the current ₦70,000 no longer meets workers’ needs.
Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that inflation and the high cost of essential goods have eroded the wage approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2024.
“The truth is that ₦70,000 is not sustainable under today’s economic reality. Workers are under immense pressure, and unless the government acts fast, survival will become even more difficult,” Upah said.
He stressed that while labour remained open to dialogue, industrial action might be unavoidable if government delays.
“We have engaged the Federal Government on several occasions. We hope it recognises both the economic and moral obligation to act quickly,” he added.
States Move Above Federal Benchmark
According to Nigerian Tribune, several states have already increased wages above ₦70,000. Imo State raised its minimum wage to ₦104,000, the highest so far. Lagos and Rivers approved ₦85,000, with Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledging to raise it further to ₦100,000 by 2025.
Other states, including Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom, set ₦80,000, while Ogun and Delta approved ₦77,000. Benue and Osun pay ₦75,000, and Ondo offers ₦73,000.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo explained that his administration’s move was part of ongoing efforts to improve workers’ welfare after reaching an agreement with organised labour.
Workers and Unions Demand Living Wage
The President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Shehu Mohammed, welcomed the states’ adjustments but insisted they still fell short.
“During negotiations, we demanded ₦250,000 as a living wage. Anything less only gets a worker to the office but not back home,” he said.
Mohammed noted that electricity bills, transportation, and food prices have outpaced ₦70,000, making the wage almost meaningless.
Civil servants interviewed by NAN shared similar frustrations.
Kemi George: “Transport and food costs leave nothing. Rent and school fees are almost impossible to cover.”
Obi Chimaobi: “With ₦70,000, you are already in debt before the month ends.”
Bola Akingbade: “A motivated workforce requires better pay. Increased wages will improve efficiency and service delivery.”
Calls for Broader Economic Reform
Some workers stressed that wage increases alone are not enough without wider reforms.
Jeremiah Okon argued that even states with limited revenue had raised wages, urging the Federal Government to set a fairer benchmark.
“A realistic adjustment would be at least ₦150,000. Higher wages should be seen as growth tools, not burdens. They will drive spending, stimulate businesses, and boost the economy,” Okon said.
