Nigerian Workers Demand Urgent Review of Minimum Wage Amid Soaring Living Costs

As Nigeria celebrates May Day 2025, Nigerian workers nationwide are calling for an urgent review of the N70,000 minimum wage.

Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have expressed deep concern over the economic challenges faced by the Nigerian worker, saying things have only worsened under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio promised that the executive and legislative arms would continue to work together to improve workers’ welfare. However, many union leaders argue that these promises have not translated into real improvements.

Since President Tinubu removed fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023, and introduced new economic policies, living costs have skyrocketed. The price of food, transport, healthcare, and housing has gone up sharply, leaving the Nigerian worker struggling to survive.

In Bayelsa, TUC Chairman Comrade Julius Laye said the removal of subsidies, rising taxes, and high inflation have made the minimum wage almost useless. He added that while government officials can afford to travel abroad for medical treatment, ordinary workers cannot even afford basic healthcare.

NLC Chairman Prof. Oguguo Egwu and TUC Chairman Comrade Igwe Chidi in Ebonyi said workers are living in “multi-dimensional poverty.” They called for a review of the National Minimum Wage Act, saying that N70,000 is no longer enough to meet daily needs.

Prof. Egwu highlighted that this year’s Workers’ Day theme is “Reclaiming a civic space amid economic hardship.” He noted that many workers’ faces show the pain of daily struggles. Comrade Chidi added that the current wage cannot cover basic needs in the market.

TUC Chairman Ibrahim Gana said inflation and rising costs have wiped out the gains of the new minimum wage. According to him, the Nigerian worker now lives paycheck to paycheck and can barely afford three meals a day or basic household items.

He placed the blame squarely on the federal government, especially the impact of naira devaluation and fuel subsidy removal.

NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor in Rivers State said that even with the new wage, workers are still suffering due to the high cost of living. He called for an immediate increase in workers’ pay to match current economic realities.

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In Imo, NLC Chairman Comrade Chigaemezu Nwigwe said workers were facing serious challenges and not seeing the benefits of the new wage. He noted that while the government promised a “living wage,” the reality is that most workers can barely make ends meet.

Comrade Kayode Martins, NLC Chairman in Oyo State, said the purchasing power of the Nigerian worker has dropped significantly. He said the rising prices of food and transport have pushed workers below the standard of living seen in many African countries.

Lagos NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi expressed concern about the rising cost of living, poor public services, and government inaction. She asked, “Are we talking about accommodation, transportation, healthcare, education, or even feeding? Prices keep rising, and nothing is being done to ease the pain.”

In Ogun, TUC Chairman Akeem Lasisi said there is “little to celebrate” on this year’s Workers’ Day, as the approved N70,000 minimum wage no longer meets the needs of the Nigerian worker.

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