The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the recently implemented ₦70,000 minimum wage, stating that it has not significantly improved workers’ welfare. In a statement released on May 1, 2025, the NLC emphasized that the current wage does not adequately address the rising cost of living and inflation rates, which have severely impacted workers’ purchasing power.
The NLC further announced plans to initiate discussions on establishing a living wage, which they argue is essential to ensure that workers can meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living. This move comes amid ongoing concerns over economic hardships and the inadequacy of the current minimum wage to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Nigerian workers.
The call for a living wage aligns with previous demands made by the NLC, including a proposed wage award to the Federal Government in 2023 to help cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal. While the government introduced a ₦35,000 wage award as a temporary relief measure, delays in subsequent payments have raised concerns among labor unions.
As the NLC prepares to engage in discussions for a living wage, the organization continues to advocate for policies that address the economic challenges faced by workers and ensure fair compensation in line with the current economic realities.
