By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called for an immediate review of the national minimum wage, insisting that the current ₦70,000 benchmark is unsustainable in the face of rising inflation and worsening living costs.
NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the value of workers’ pay has been severely eroded, leaving many unable to meet basic needs.
“The truth is that ₦70,000 is not sustainable,” he warned, stressing that while the union prefers dialogue, industrial action remains an option if negotiations fail.
The demand comes as several states have already surpassed the federal benchmark.
Imo State recently raised its minimum wage to ₦104,000, while Lagos and Rivers States have increased theirs to ₦85,000.
President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Shehu Mohammed, commended the states’ proactive steps, describing them as a clear signal to the federal government to provide a true “living wage” that reflects current economic realities.
