NLC Rejects N100,000 Wage Proposal, Demands N1m for Workers

On Sunday in Abuja, the Nigeria Labour Congress, through its spokesperson Benson Upah, rejected the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage being considered by state governors, arguing that Nigerian workers deserve far more in view of the country’s current economic realities.

Upah made the position known while reacting to comments by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who disclosed that governors were considering a review of the minimum wage to N100,000. The proposal, according to the governors, is aimed at addressing the pressure workers face from rising prices and the increasing cost of living.

The labour leader acknowledged the willingness of governors to discuss a wage review but maintained that the amount being considered would not adequately meet the needs of workers. He argued that the economic situation in the country has changed drastically and requires a more realistic approach to workers’ earnings.

According to him, the continuous fall in the value of the naira, persistent inflation, higher electricity tariffs, rising fuel prices, transportation costs and the effect of recent tax measures have reduced the purchasing power of many workers across the country. He said these factors have made it increasingly difficult for workers to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Upah maintained that a monthly wage of about N1 million would better reflect present economic conditions if current trends remain unchanged. He also argued that governments now have access to higher revenues and should be able to improve workers’ welfare without placing excessive strain on public finances.

The NLC spokesperson pointed to allocations shared among the three tiers of government and recent increases in government earnings as reasons why a better wage package should be achievable. He insisted that investing in workers remains one of the most important responsibilities of any government because the workforce drives economic growth and public service delivery.

The debate over wages has continued to gain attention following economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government, including the removal of fuel subsidy and changes in the foreign exchange market. These policies have contributed to higher prices of goods and services, leading to renewed calls for salary adjustments.

Although the Federal Government approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 in 2024 after negotiations with organised labour, labour unions have repeatedly argued that inflation has reduced the value of that wage. Rising food prices, transport fares and utility costs have further strengthened demands for another review.

For now, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has not officially submitted a new wage proposal to either the Federal Government or organised labour, but discussions surrounding a possible adjustment are expected to continue in the coming months.