The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal government workers have called for an urgent review of the national minimum wage, insisting that the current ₦70,000 benchmark is no longer sustainable.
The demand follows moves by several states to raise the minimum wage above ₦70,000 in response to soaring inflation and the rising cost of food, transportation, housing, and other essentials.
Labour unions and workers, speaking separately to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), emphasised that the ₦70,000 minimum wage cannot meet basic living needs.
President Bola Tinubu signed the new National Minimum Wage Bill into law in July 2024, raising it from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. The law applies nationwide, covering federal, state, local government, and private-sector employees.
However, some states have already increased wages. On August 27, 2025, Imo State raised the minimum wage to ₦104,000, alongside adjustments to the full salary structure for civil servants, following discussions between Governor Hope Uzodinma and organised labour.
Before this, Lagos State announced a rise to ₦85,000 in October 2024, with plans to reach ₦100,000 in 2025. Rivers State also approved ₦85,000, while Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom set it at ₦80,000. Ogun and Delta states implemented ₦77,000, Benue and Osun ₦75,000, and Ondo ₦73,000.
Acting NLC General Secretary Benson Upah told NAN in Abuja that inflation has severely eroded the value of ₦70,000, leaving workers struggling to meet basic needs.
“₦70,000 is not sustainable under the current economic conditions. Workers are under immense pressure, and unless the government acts quickly, the survival crisis will worsen. We have engaged the Federal Government repeatedly and hope it fulfils both its economic and moral obligations,” he said. Upah added that while dialogue remains the primary approach, industrial action may be considered if negotiations fail.
Similarly, President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Shehu Mohammed, praised states that have revised wages, describing their actions as a welcome development and a signal to the federal government.
“Our initial demand was for a living wage of ₦250,000. Anything less leaves a worker struggling to survive. With electricity, transport, and food prices so high, ₦70,000 is insufficient. Paying bills alone leaves nothing for family needs,” he said. Mohammed urged the federal government to pair wage increases with policies to reduce living costs, including affordable housing, healthcare, and subsidised transport.
Federal workers echoed these concerns. Civil servant Mrs Kemi George said, “After paying for transport and food, nothing remains. Rent and school fees are nearly impossible to cover. Only God sustains us because our take-home pay is far below monthly expenses.”
Mr Obi Chimaobi described the situation as unbearable, stressing that the federal government must act quickly to restore dignity to work and reaffirm its social contract with citizens.
Mrs Bola Akingbade added that higher wages motivate workers, improve productivity, and reduce corruption, benefiting overall service delivery.
Mr Jeremiah Okon argued that if states with limited revenue can adjust wages, it is imperative for the federal government to raise the minimum wage to at least ₦150,000. He emphasised that increased wages would stimulate local spending, boost businesses, and strengthen the economy.
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