Labour Pushes ₦154,000 Minimum Wage as Cost-of-Living Crisis Deepens

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded a new national minimum wage of ₦154,000, citing worsening economic hardship and the shrinking purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

The proposal was contained in a formal communication by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), a key arm of the NLC.

In the letter signed by Benjamin Anthony and Olowoyo Gbenga, the council stressed the “urgent necessity” for a comprehensive upward review of salaries and allowances across the public service.

According to the council, the current wage structure has become outdated and no longer reflects prevailing economic realities, as rising inflation, escalating food prices and increasing transportation costs continue to erode workers’ earnings.

The labour body noted that the proposed ₦154,000 minimum wage is aimed at restoring a decent standard of living for Nigerian workers, while urging the Federal Government to begin immediate negotiations.

The demand comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis, with many households struggling to meet basic needs in the face of persistent economic pressure.