Labour Rejects Proposed N100,000 Minimum Wage, Says Workers Need Better Pay
Labour Rejects Proposed N100,000 Minimum Wage, Says Workers Need Better Pay
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the proposed N100,000 minimum wage being considered by state governors, describing the figure as inadequate to meet the economic realities facing Nigerian workers.
The position was made known by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, during an interview on Sunday, following remarks by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who revealed that governors were considering a new national minimum wage of N100,000.
AbdulRazaq made the disclosure during a Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, stating that governors were already in discussions with the Federal Government and organised labour to develop a wage structure that would balance workers’ welfare with the financial capacity of governments.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, the governor said the proposal was driven by rising inflation, increasing living costs and the growing financial pressure on Nigerian workers.
Responding to the proposal, Upah acknowledged the governors’ effort to review workers’ wages but insisted that the suggested amount falls short of what is required under current economic conditions.
“We consider it thoughtful of the Kwara State Governor for proposing this, but certainly, N100,000 falls far below or behind the realistic figure,” he said.
The labour spokesman pointed to the continued depreciation of the naira, persistent inflation, higher electricity tariffs, increased fuel prices, declining purchasing power and the impact of new tax measures as reasons workers deserve significantly higher pay.
“Given the realities around the exchange rate, inflation, raised tariffs, surge in the pump price of petrol and associated costs, decline in the purchasing power of the average worker, effects of the new regime of taxes on our cost of living, the realistic figure, subject to status quo maintenance, would be N1m,” he stated.
Upah further argued that improved government revenues should make better wages achievable.
“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. Though this is temporary, it is nonetheless very good for governments,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of adequately rewarding workers to boost productivity and national development.
“Finally, please note that the greatest asset of any nation is its workforce,” he said.
The debate over workers’ wages has intensified in recent years amid worsening economic conditions following the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
In July 2024, the Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of N70,000 after months of negotiations with organised labour. The agreement replaced the previous N30,000 minimum wage signed into law in 2019.
Despite the increase, labour leaders have consistently maintained that the current wage is insufficient due to persistent inflation and the rising cost of living, with many workers struggling to meet basic household needs.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is yet to formally submit any proposal on a new minimum wage framework to the Federal Government or organised labour.
