The Nigeria Labour Congress has rejected suggestions that a ₦100,000 minimum wage would be sufficient for Nigerian workers, arguing that a realistic living wage should be closer to ₦1 million under current economic conditions.
Speaking on the proposal reportedly being considered by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah said ₦100,000 falls far short of what workers need to cope with inflation, rising fuel prices, electricity tariffs and declining purchasing power.
According to him, government revenues have improved significantly and should support better remuneration for workers. He maintained that Nigeria’s workforce remains the country’s most valuable asset and deserves compensation that reflects current economic realities.
The debate comes less than two years after the Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 in July 2024 following negotiations with organised labour.
