NLC Rejects Governors' N100,000 Minimum Wage, Demands N1 Million

NLC spokesperson Benson Upah speaks on the proposed N100,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress has flatly rejected the N100,000 minimum wage proposal being considered by state governors. Instead, the union insists that Nigerian workers actually need N1 million to survive the current economic hardship.

This strong reaction follows a recent Facebook post by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The governor, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, had hinted that states were looking at a N100,000 minimum wage. He cited rising inflation and the heavy financial burden on citizens as the reason for the proposed review.

Governor AbdulRazaq noted that state governments are already talking with the Federal Government and labour leaders to find a balance. They want a wage that helps workers but does not bankrupt the states.

However, the NLC is not impressed. Speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, the labour union's spokesperson, Benson Upah, said the N100,000 offer falls far short of reality.

Upah admitted it was thoughtful of the governors to propose a review, but he maintained that the figure is simply too low. He pointed to the harsh economic conditions on the ground as the reason for his stance.

The naira continues to lose value, and inflation is biting hard. Electricity tariffs have gone up, and fuel prices remain high. Add the impact of new tax measures and the shrinking purchasing power of the average worker, and you understand why labour is angry.

Given all these factors, Upah argued that N1 million is the realistic figure, provided the current economic policies remain unchanged.

The labour leader also reminded Nigerians that the government now has more money. He pointed to the records from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee. According to him, a windfall of over N5 trillion from the Middle East crisis has entered the treasury. With such improved earnings, paying workers better should not be a difficult task.

Upah stressed that the workforce remains the greatest asset of any nation and must be compensated properly to drive economic growth.

This wage debate is happening at a time when workers are feeling the heat. Ever since the Federal Government removed fuel subsidies and floated the naira, living costs have skyrocketed.

Recall that in July 2024, the government approved a N70,000 minimum wage after long negotiations. But labour unions have continued to complain. They argue that the constant rise in the prices of food, transport, and electricity has already eaten up the value of that pay raise.

For now, the Governors’ Forum has not officially submitted any new wage proposal to the Federal Government or organised labour. But one thing is clear: workers are demanding a salary that matches the reality of the market.