By: Sunday Ameh
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage being considered by state governors, describing it as grossly inadequate in view of the country’s prevailing economic realities.
Speaking in an interview, NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, said Nigerian workers deserve a significantly higher wage to cushion the effects of inflation, rising fuel prices, increased electricity tariffs, and the continued depreciation of the naira.
His reaction followed comments by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who disclosed that governors were considering a new minimum wage of N100,000 to address the growing cost of living facing workers across the country.
While acknowledging the governors’ willingness to review workers’ salaries, Upah maintained that the proposed amount falls far short of what is required for workers to maintain a decent standard of living.
According to him, a realistic minimum wage, considering the current economic situation, should be around N1 million per month.
He noted that the rising cost of transportation, food, housing, healthcare, and other basic necessities has drastically reduced the purchasing power of workers, making a substantial wage increase necessary.
The labour leader further argued that government revenues have improved considerably, citing increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), and therefore governments should be able to provide better remuneration for workers.
Upah stressed that the workforce remains the backbone of national development and should be adequately compensated to enhance productivity and economic growth.
The debate over workers’ wages has intensified in recent months amid worsening economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
Although the Federal Government approved a N70,000 national minimum wage in July 2024 after extensive negotiations with organised labour, labour unions insist that the value of the wage has been significantly eroded by inflation and the rising cost of living.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is yet to formally present any new minimum wage proposal to the Federal Government and organised labour for consideration.
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