The Nigeria Labour Congress and federal government workers are demanding an urgent review of the national minimum wage, stating that the current ₦70,000 benchmark is no longer sustainable. This demand follows a series of wage increases by several states across the country in response to soaring inflation and the rising cost of living.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), labour unions and workers contended that the ₦70,000 minimum wage, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024, is insufficient to cover basic needs such as food, transportation, and housing.
States Lead the Way
Several state governors have taken the initiative to increase the minimum wage for their workers. On August 27, 2025, Imo State, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, raised the minimum wage to ₦104,000.
Other states had already made similar moves:
- Lagos: Increased the wage to ₦85,000 in October 2024, with a plan to reach ₦100,000 in 2025.
- Rivers: Approved an ₦85,000 minimum wage in October 2024.
- Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom: Approved ₦80,000 for their workers.
- Ogun and Delta: Implementing a ₦77,000 minimum wage.
- Benue and Osun: Raised the wage to ₦75,000.
- Ondo: Pegged its minimum wage at ₦73,000.
Union Leaders and Workers Speak Out
Mr. Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, told NAN that inflation has “eroded the value of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.” He noted that while the union prefers dialogue, industrial action may be considered if negotiations with the Federal Government fail.
Mr. Shehu Mohammed, President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, praised the state governors for their actions, calling it a signal to the Federal Government. He reiterated that labour’s initial demand was for a living wage of ₦250,000, as the current wage cannot sustain a family for even ten days. He also called for broader government policies to reduce the cost of living.
Federal government workers expressed their frustration with the harsh economic realities. One civil servant, Mrs. Kemi George, said, “By the time I pay transport to work and buy food, nothing is left.” Another, Mr. Obi Chimaobi, described the situation as “unbearable,” stating that a bag of rice is now “like gold.”
Mr. Jeremiah Okon argued that if states with limited revenue can make wage adjustments, the Federal Government should be able to do better. He suggested a new minimum wage of at least ₦150,000, arguing that increased wages would stimulate the economy by boosting consumer spending.
source: punchng