By Queen Madaki
The Bureau Journal reports that the spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benson Upah, has dismissed the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage being considered by state governors, insisting that Nigerian workers deserve significantly higher pay in line with prevailing economic realities.
Upah made the remarks during an interview with The PUNCH while reacting to comments by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who disclosed that governors were considering a fresh minimum wage of N100,000.
According to AbdulRazaq, the proposal was driven by rising inflation, increasing living costs and the growing financial pressure facing workers across the country. He explained that state governments were already engaging the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a sustainable wage structure.
N100,000 Not Enough, Says NLC
Reacting to the proposal, Upah acknowledged the governors’ willingness to review workers’ salaries but argued that N100,000 falls far below what Nigerians need to survive under current economic conditions.
“We consider it thoughtful of the Kwara State governor to propose this, but certainly, N100,000 falls far below the realistic figure,” Upah said.
He cited the continued depreciation of the naira, persistent inflation, higher electricity tariffs, increased fuel prices and the declining purchasing power of workers as reasons why a much higher minimum wage should be considered.
According to him, a realistic wage benchmark under the current economic environment would be around N1 million monthly.
“Given the realities around the exchange rate, inflation, raised tariffs, the surge in the pump price of petrol and associated costs, the decline in the purchasing power of the average worker, and the effects of the new tax regime on our cost of living, the realistic figure, subject to status quo maintenance, would be N1 million,” he stated.
Government Revenue Can Support Higher Wages
Upah further argued that government earnings have improved substantially and should be sufficient to support better remuneration for workers.
He pointed to allocations shared through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and additional revenues generated from global economic developments.
“In light of the earnings by governments, this should not be a big issue. Check what is being shared at FAAC. The windfall from the Middle East war has put over N5tn in the treasury. Even though this is temporary, it is nonetheless very good for governments,” he added.
The labour leader stressed that workers remain the backbone of national development and should be adequately compensated.
“The greatest asset of any nation is its workforce,” Upah said.
Growing Calls for Wage Review
The Bureau Journal understands that the debate over workers’ wages has intensified following the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira and the resulting rise in the cost of living.
Although the Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of N70,000 in July 2024 after negotiations with organised labour, labour unions have continued to argue that inflation has significantly eroded the value of the wage.
Recent increases in transportation costs, electricity tariffs and food prices have further strengthened calls for another review of workers’ salaries, with labour leaders insisting that wages must reflect current economic realities.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is yet to formally submit any new minimum wage proposal to the Federal Government or organised labour.
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