The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and federal government workers have demanded an upward review of the current N70,000 minimum wage.
They argued the wage no longer sustains workers, given surging inflation, high food prices, housing costs, and rising transport fares.
Their demand follows bold steps by many states across Nigeria, who already increased minimum wages above the federal benchmark.
In August 2025, Imo State raised minimum wage to N104,000, alongside adjustments across civil servants’ salary structures.
Governor Hope Uzodinma explained the decision was reached during negotiations with organised labour to improve workers’ welfare significantly.
Before Imo’s action, several states including Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom had raised wages.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced an N85,000 minimum wage in Lagos, pledging to raise it to N100,000 in 2025.
Rivers State under Governor Siminalayi Fubara equally approved N85,000 minimum wage, improving workers’ welfare amid economic challenges.
Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom pegged minimum wages at N80,000, while Ogun and Delta implemented N77,000.
NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah stressed inflation eroded the N70,000 minimum wage, leaving workers unable to survive.
He said the government must urgently intervene, warning that survival challenges could worsen if workers remain under intense pressure.
Upah confirmed the NLC already engaged the federal government several times, pressing for adjustments to reflect current economic realities.
