The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a new national minimum wage of ₦500,000, describing the current ₦70,000 as no longer sustainable.
The labour union made the demand through its National Deputy President and President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. This is amid the rising cost of living and economic pressures facing Nigerian workers. According to the NLC, the present minimum wage has been eroded by inflation and no longer provides a decent standard of living for workers and their families.
The Congress argued that a significant upward review is necessary to help workers cope with the high prices of food, transportation, housing, and other essential needs.
This latest call is expected to intensify ongoing discussions between organised labour, the Federal Government, and other stakeholders on the need for a new minimum wage structure that reflects current economic realities.
Many workers and civil society groups have expressed support for the NLC’s position. At the same time, some government officials and private sector operators are likely to raise concerns about the financial implications of such a substantial increase.
As talks continue, the NLC’s demand for ₦500,000 is set to become a major topic of national conversation in the coming weeks.
