The spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benson Upah, has dismissed the proposed ₦100,000 national minimum wage being considered by state governors as inadequate, arguing that Nigerian workers should earn as much as ₦1 million monthly in view of the country’s economic realities.
Upah made the remarks in an interview with The Punch, on Sunday, May 31, while reacting to comments by Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who recently disclosed that governors were considering a fresh wage structure of ₦100,000.
AbdulRazaq had said the proposal was driven by worsening inflation, rising living costs and mounting financial pressure on workers, adding that discussions were ongoing between state governments, the Federal Government and organised labour to agree on a sustainable wage framework.
However, Upah said the figure being discussed falls short of what workers need to survive under prevailing conditions.
“We consider it thoughtful of the Kwara State governor to propose this, but certainly, ₦100,000 falls far below the realistic figure,” he said.
The NLC spokesman pointed to the weakening naira, rising inflation, increased electricity tariffs, higher fuel prices, shrinking purchasing power and the effect of tax reforms as reasons workers deserve significantly higher wages.
“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 ₦1 million,” he stated.
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Upah argued that governments now have stronger revenues and should be able to support improved workers’ welfare.
“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 ₦5tn in the treasury. Even though this is temporary, it is nonetheless very good for governments,” he added.
He further stressed that a country’s workforce remains its most important resource and should be properly rewarded.
“Finally, please note that the greatest asset of any nation is its workforce,” he said.
Debate over wages has intensified since the Federal Government removed fuel subsidies and floated the naira, policies that triggered sharp increases in transport, food and energy costs.
Although the Federal Government approved a ₦70,000 minimum wage in July 2024 after negotiations with organised labour, unions insist inflation has sharply reduced its value and are pushing for another review.