The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed the proposed ₦100,000 national minimum wage reportedly under consideration by state governors, describing it as inadequate and unrealistic in the face of Nigeria’s current economic realities.
The NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, made the position known in an interview on Sunday, arguing that Nigerian workers should be earning up to ₦1 million monthly to cope with the rising cost of living.
His comments followed remarks by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who had disclosed via a Facebook post that governors were reviewing a possible new wage template pegged at ₦100,000.
According to AbdulRazaq, the proposal was informed by soaring inflation, increasing living expenses, and the need to balance workers’ welfare with the financial capacity of state governments. He also noted that consultations were ongoing between the states, the Federal Government, and organised labour.
Reacting, Upah acknowledged the idea of a wage review but insisted that the proposed figure fell far short of what workers currently require.
He explained that factors such as naira depreciation, inflation, high fuel costs, electricity tariff hikes, transportation expenses, and tax pressures had significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power.
“Considering the present economic realities, including inflation, exchange rate instability, and rising living costs, a realistic wage should be around ₦1 million,” he stated.
Upah also argued that government revenues had improved and could accommodate higher remuneration for workers, citing increased allocations and other fiscal inflows.
He maintained that workers remain central to national productivity and deserve wages that reflect their importance to the economy.
“The workforce is the most critical asset of any nation and must be properly compensated,” he added.
The debate over minimum wage has continued to gain momentum following economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and currency flotation, which have led to sharp increases in the cost of goods and services.
Although the Federal Government approved a ₦70,000 minimum wage in July 2024 after prolonged negotiations, labour unions have repeatedly called for a review, insisting that inflation has eroded its value.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is yet to present any official wage proposal to the Federal Government or organised labour for final consideration.