The spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benson Upah, has dismissed the proposed N100,000 national minimum wage being discussed by state governors as unrealistic, insisting that Nigerian workers should earn up to N1 million monthly in view of current economic pressures.
Upah made the remarks in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, while reacting to comments by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said governors were considering a new minimum wage of N100,000.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, AbdulRazaq explained that the proposal was driven by rising inflation, higher living costs, and increasing financial strain on workers across the country.
He added that state governors were already engaging the Federal Government and labour unions to arrive at a wage structure that balances workers’ welfare with fiscal sustainability.
Responding, Upah acknowledged the discussion but maintained that the figure under consideration was inadequate.
“We consider it thoughtful of the Kwara State governor to propose this, but certainly, N100,000 falls far below the realistic figure,” he said.
He pointed to multiple economic challenges affecting workers, including naira depreciation, inflation, higher electricity tariffs, fuel price increases, reduced purchasing power, and tax reforms.
“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.
Upah further argued that government revenues could support a higher wage structure.
“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.
He also stressed the importance of prioritising workers’ welfare, describing the labour force as central to national development.
“Finally, please note that the greatest asset of any nation is its workforce,” he said.
The wage debate continues amid worsening economic conditions following fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira, which have triggered sharp increases in the cost of living.
In July 2024, the Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of N70,000 after negotiations with organised labour. However, labour groups argue that inflation has already eroded its value.
Rising electricity tariffs, transport costs, and food prices have further intensified calls for a fresh review of wages, although the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is yet to formally present any consolidated proposal to the Federal Government or labour unions.
