The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has branded the current N70,000 national minimum wage as unsustainable with Nigeria’s declining economic status. Acting General Secretary Benson Upah emphasized that the workers are under great survival pressure, and the crisis will worsen unless the government acts in good time.
Labour Leaders Sound Alarm on Living Standards
“The truth is that N70,000 minimum wage cannot operate under the current economic condition,” Upah had said in a recent interview. He went further to state that while the NLC still proclaims its determination to constructive engagement with the government, industrial action remains an option if the Federal Government is not receptive.
ASCSN Proposes N250,000 Living Wage Benchmark
Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCN) President Shehu Mohammed applauded states that made the wage hikes, calling them “eye-openers” for the federal government. Mohammed revealed that labour unions demanded N250,000 as a reasonable living wage benchmark during negotiations.
Basic Expenses Outstrip Current Wage Framework
Mohammed highlighted the inadequacy of the current wages, quoting that electricity bills alone soak up a huge portion of the N70,000 minimum wage. “Even when you pay for electricity bills from N70,000, whatever is left cannot sustain a family for 10 days,” he emphasized.
Ogun State Targets N104,000 Minimum Wage Benchmark
Ogun State employees’ leaders will request N104,000 as their new salary, following Imo State. NLC Chairman Hameed Benco and TUC Chairman Akeem Lasisi were hopeful that large Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations would enable state governments to pay higher wage demands.
Economic Reforms Spreading Beyond Salaries
Labour leaders advocate holistic solutions with pay increases combined with cost-of-living reduction initiatives. Mohammed appealed to governments to provide low-cost housing schemes, subsidized medical programs, and transportation assistance to complement pay hikes for meaningful economic relief.
