The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal government workers are pressing for an urgent review of the national minimum wage, arguing that the current ₦70,000 benchmark has been overtaken by economic realities.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), labour leaders and civil servants said inflation and rising costs of food, housing, transport, and utilities have eroded the value of the wage, making it unsustainable for the average worker.
The push comes after several states introduced wage increases above the federal standard. In August 2025, Imo State raised its minimum wage to ₦104,000, with Governor Hope Uzodinma framing the move as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
Lagos and Rivers States had earlier announced increases to ₦85,000, with Lagos pledging a further rise to ₦100,000 in 2025.
Other states—Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom—set wages at ₦80,000, while Ogun and Delta pegged theirs at ₦77,000. Benue and Osun settled at ₦75,000, and Ondo approved ₦73,000.
Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, warned that “₦70,000 is not sustainable under the present economic situation,” stressing that many workers are unable to meet basic needs.
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While he noted that the NLC would continue dialogue with the government, he hinted that industrial action remains on the table if discussions fail.
Shehu Mohammed, President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), praised governors who had increased wages, calling their actions a “wake-up call” for the federal government.
He reiterated labour’s initial demand for ₦250,000 as a “living wage,” arguing that the current minimum “only takes a worker to the office gate, not back home.”
Several civil servants interviewed by newsmen echoed these concerns.
Kemi George said transport and food expenses consume nearly her entire salary, while Obi Chimaobi described the economy as “unbearable,” pushing workers into debt before month’s end.
Another worker, Bola Akingbade, emphasized that “a well-paid workforce is a motivated workforce,” linking fair wages to productivity and reduced corruption risks.
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For civil servant Jeremiah Okon, the federal government has no excuse, noting that if states with limited revenue can raise wages, Abuja must do the same.
He recommended a federal adjustment to at least ₦150,000, describing higher wages as a catalyst for consumer spending and broader economic revitalization.
President Bola Tinubu last signed the Minimum Wage Act in July 2024, raising the benchmark from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 across public and private sectors.
However, with inflation accelerating, labour insists the wage floor has already lost its value.
Image Credit: Vanguard News
