The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is pushing for a new national minimum wage of at least N500,000, saying the current N70,000 wage can no longer meet workers’ basic needs.
NLC President Joe Ajaero said the union would soon begin negotiations with the Federal Government for a review of the national minimum wage.
Ajaero, represented by NLC Deputy President Audu Amba, spoke at the Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, over the weekend.
He said rising inflation and the increasing cost of living had significantly weakened workers’ purchasing power.
“Anything less than N500,000 cannot cater for workers,” he said. “The current minimum wage is due for review, and we will soon begin negotiations with the government.”
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also backed calls for improved wages, with its President, Festus Osifo, represented by Secretary-General Nuhu Toro.
Osifo said rising food prices, transport fares, rent and inflation had made the current wage inadequate, urging employers to comply with labour laws and provide fair remuneration and better welfare for workers.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris also expressed support for improved wages, saying Nigerian workers deserved better welfare.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Network of Abuja Left Groups has urged Nigerians to support organised labour’s demand for a new minimum wage of at least N500,000.
In a statement signed by representatives of six civil society and socialist organisations, the group said the minimum wage dispute should not be treated as an issue affecting only public servants but as a wider struggle for economic survival and dignity.
It called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians nationwide to support labour as the August 11 deadline approaches.
The group argued that higher wages would boost workers’ purchasing power and stimulate economic activity by increasing patronage of farmers, traders, transport operators, artisans, landlords and small businesses.
It added that rising costs of food, transportation, electricity, cooking gas, rent, medicines and school fees had further eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.
