The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage being considered by state governors, insisting that the amount is inadequate given the country’s current economic realities.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah reacted to comments by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who disclosed that governors were considering a new minimum wage of N100,000 to address the impact of rising inflation and living costs on workers.
While acknowledging the governors’ willingness to review wages, Upah argued that the proposed figure falls far short of what Nigerian workers need to survive.
“We consider it thoughtful of the Kwara State governor to propose this, but certainly, N100,000 falls far below the realistic figure,” he said.
According to the labour leader, the continuous depreciation of the naira, soaring inflation, increased electricity tariffs, higher fuel prices, declining purchasing power and the impact of recent tax measures have made a much higher wage necessary.
“Given the realities around the exchange rate, inflation, raised tariffs, the surge in the pump price of petrol and associated costs, the decline in the purchasing power of the average worker, and the effects of the new tax regime on our cost of living, the realistic figure, subject to status quo maintenance, would be N1 million,” he stated.
Upah also maintained that governments at all levels now have stronger revenues and should be able to improve workers’ welfare through better remuneration.
“In light of the earnings by governments, this should not be a big issue. Check what is being shared at FAAC. The windfall from the Middle East war has put over N5tn in the treasury. Even though this is temporary, it is nonetheless very good for governments,” he added.
He further stressed the importance of investing in workers, describing the workforce as the backbone of any nation’s development.
“Finally, please note that the greatest asset of any nation is its workforce,” he said.
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The debate over wages has continued to gain momentum following worsening economic conditions triggered by the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. Although the Federal Government approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 in July 2024 after extensive negotiations with organised labour, unions have repeatedly argued that inflation and rising living costs have significantly eroded its value.
With food prices, transportation costs and electricity tariffs continuing to climb, labour leaders have renewed calls for another wage review, insisting that workers’ salaries should reflect current economic realities.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is yet to formally submit any new minimum wage proposal to the Federal Government or organised labour for consideration.