The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal government workers have called for an immediate upward review of the national minimum wage, stressing that the current N70,000 benchmark is no longer sustainable in the face of harsh economic realities.
Their demand comes after several states across the country boldly adjusted their minimum wages above the N70,000 threshold, citing inflation, rising food prices, transport costs, housing, and other basic expenses that have left workers struggling.
States Lead the Way in Wage Increases
President Bola Tinubu had signed the new National Minimum Wage Bill into law in July 2024, raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. The law applies nationwide across federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private sector.
However, a number of states have since surpassed the federal benchmark. Notably, on August 27, 2025, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma announced an increase to N104,000, alongside adjustments to the entire salary structure of the state’s civil servants.
Before Imo’s historic move, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had, on October 16, 2024, raised the minimum wage to N85,000 with a pledge to further increase it to N100,000 in 2025.
Other states also took steps:
- Rivers State: N85,000 (October 18, 2024)
- Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, Akwa Ibom: N80,000
- Ogun, Delta: N77,000
- Benue, Osun: N75,000
- Ondo: N73,000
These moves have put mounting pressure on the federal government to follow suit.
NLC’s Position on Wage Sustainability
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said inflation had eroded the value of the N70,000 wage, pushing many workers into survival mode.
“The truth is that N70,000 is not sustainable under the present economic situation,” he said.
“Workers are under immense pressure, and unless the government responds quickly, the crisis of survival will only worsen. We have since engaged the Federal Government on this matter at different times and fora.”
The 9am News report notes that the unions argue wages should reflect economic realities, not just policy declarations. With several states already implementing higher benchmarks, labour leaders insist the federal government must urgently review salaries to avert deeper hardship among workers.
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