N70,000 Not Enough: Workers Demand N300,000 Minimum Wage

The Federal Workers Forum has asked President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to raise the federal minimum wage from N70,000 to N300,000, saying the current salary structure is no longer enough to meet the rising cost of living.

The group made the demand in a letter dated September 2, 2026, and addressed to the leadership of the National Assembly. The President, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation were also listed among the recipients.

The letter was signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, and General Secretary, Ogundele Ayodele. The workers also proposed a new salary structure that would place the highest federal civil service level, Grade Level 17, at N1.5m.

The forum said the proposed review was necessary because it believed the 2024 minimum wage agreement had not been fully implemented for federal workers. It alleged that workers had not received the complete consequential salary adjustment and some related allowances arising from the increase.

The workers noted that the minimum wage was raised from N30,000 to N70,000 in 2024, but argued that the increase had not adequately addressed the financial pressure facing civil servants. They claimed that workers across different levels effectively received a uniform N40,000 addition under the adjustment.

The forum said the cost of food, transportation, rent, electricity, cooking gas, water, communication and other basic needs had risen sharply, making it difficult for many federal employees to survive on their present salaries.

It further claimed that some workers had resorted to borrowing from microfinance institutions and digital loan platforms simply to cover daily expenses, including transportation to their workplaces. The group also said some employees were struggling to afford cooking gas and had resorted to alternative sources of fuel.

According to the forum, the financial pressure on workers could affect their productivity and create conditions that may encourage corruption if employees are unable to meet their basic needs through their legitimate earnings.

The proposed salary structure would begin with N300,000 for a Level 1 Step 1 worker and increase gradually across the grades. The forum proposed N330,000 for Level 2, N360,000 for Level 3, N390,000 for Level 4, N420,000 for Level 5, N450,000 for Level 6 and N480,000 for Level 7.

It proposed N510,000 for Level 8, N550,000 for Level 9, N600,000 for Level 10, N700,000 for Level 12, N750,000 for Level 13 and N800,000 for Level 14. The proposed salary rises to N1m for Level 15, N1.2m for Level 16 and N1.5m for Level 17 officers.

The workers said the N300,000 minimum wage was based on their estimate of what an average federal employee may need each month for food, transportation, housing, family responsibilities, electricity, cooking gas, water, phone and internet services and other household expenses.

The group argued that the government could accommodate the proposed adjustment because of increased public revenue and earnings from crude oil.

Beyond the minimum wage, the forum asked the government to settle unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and other outstanding benefits owed federal employees. It also requested the payment of arrears arising from the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and the full implementation of the consequential adjustment linked to the 2024 wage review.

The workers further proposed the introduction of a permanent Cost of Living Allowance and a Family Support Allowance to help employees cope with rising expenses.

Other demands included an end to career stagnation, the declaration of vacancies to allow qualified workers to progress, comprehensive health insurance for serving workers and pensioners, car and housing loan schemes, long-service awards and improved pension arrangements.

The forum also called for free education for children of federal workers and pensioners in federal institutions, alongside tax relief and lower taxation on workers’ allowances.

It appealed to the Federal Government to establish a broader social security programme for unemployed and underemployed Nigerians. The group also sought free medical care for children, pregnant women and elderly citizens, as well as federal support for the treatment of cancer and other serious illnesses.

On security, the workers urged the government to intensify efforts to protect Nigerians and secure the release of citizens who have been kidnapped.

The forum also asked the National Assembly to investigate reports that part of workers’ contributory pension funds may have been borrowed by the executive. It called for the immediate recovery of the funds if an investigation confirms that such borrowing took place.

The workers additionally called for the restoration of petrol subsidy, measures to control the prices of essential goods and services, increased local production and industrial development, and policies aimed at improving the purchasing power of Nigerians.

The Federal Workers Forum urged the National Assembly to present its concerns to the President and treat the salary review as an urgent matter. It said federal workers should not be required to wait until July 2027, when the statutory wage review period is expected to take effect, before their earnings are reconsidered.

The group maintained that improving workers’ pay was necessary to protect their welfare and help them perform their duties effectively. It therefore called on lawmakers and the Federal Government to consider the proposed salary structure and other demands as part of measures to address the economic difficulties facing civil servants.