The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has renewed its demand for a new national minimum wage of at least ₦500,000, arguing that the current ₦70,000 wage can no longer keep pace with the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the position known at the Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where he called on workers to prepare for fresh negotiations with the Federal Government.
Ajaero, who was represented at the event by the NLC Deputy President, Audu Amba, said the economic realities facing Nigerian workers had made a review of the minimum wage unavoidable.
“Anything less than N500,000 cannot cater for workers,” Ajaero said.
He added that the existing wage structure was due for review and that the organised labour movement would soon commence discussions with the Federal Government.
The demand comes amid continued increases in the prices of food, transportation, housing, electricity, healthcare and other essential goods and services, which labour groups say have significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power.
TUC backs NLC
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also backed the call for improved wages.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, represented by the union’s Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, said prevailing economic conditions had made it increasingly difficult for workers to meet their basic needs.
Osifo pointed to rising food prices, transport costs, rent and inflation as some of the factors putting pressure on household incomes. He also urged employers to comply with labour laws and prioritise fair remuneration and workers’ welfare.
The call has received support from Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, who pledged to back efforts aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.
“We must work together to improve the welfare of workers. As a member of the Governors’ Forum, I will support efforts to secure better remuneration for them,” Idris said.
Meanwhile, the Network of Abuja Left Groups, comprising six civil society and socialist organisations, has urged Nigerians to support the labour movement’s demand as the August 11 deadline approaches.
In a statement signed by Omole Ibukun of the Creative Change Centre and Akande Daniel of Anti-Imperialist Nigeria, among others, the group argued that the minimum wage debate should not be seen solely as a public-sector issue.
Demands improve wages
The group described the demand as part of a wider struggle for economic survival and dignity, noting that improved wages could increase workers’ purchasing power and stimulate economic activity.
According to the organisations, workers with better incomes would be able to spend more on goods and services provided by farmers, traders, transport operators, artisans, landlords and small businesses.
They further cited the rising costs of food, transportation, electricity, cooking gas, rent, medicines and school fees as evidence of the financial pressure confronting households.
The NLC’s latest position is expected to set the stage for renewed discussions between organised labour and the Federal Government over the adequacy of the current minimum wage and the possibility of introducing a higher wage benchmark for Nigerian workers.
