“The truth is that N70,000 is not sustainable under the present economic situation,” NLC says as it demands urgent wage review.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review the national minimum wage, warning that the current ₦70,000 is no longer viable under prevailing economic conditions.
Acting NLC General Secretary Benson Upah told NAN in Abuja that inflation and rising living costs have rendered the wage signed into law in July 2024 inadequate. “The truth is that N70,000 is not sustainable under the present economic situation. Workers are under immense pressure,” he said.
Several states have already moved above the benchmark, with Imo raising its wage to ₦104,000 and Lagos pledging ₦100,000 by 2025. Other states, including Rivers, Enugu, and Ogun, have set wages between ₦75,000 and ₦85,000.
Union leaders warned that without an urgent review, industrial action could follow. “Our original demand was ₦250,000 for a living wage,” said ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed, citing rising costs of electricity, transport, and food as major concerns.