NLC Urges Federal Government to Review Minimum Wage Amid Surging Living Costs
Abuja – September 7, 2025
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), joined by federal government workers, has demanded an urgent review of the national minimum wage, declaring the current ₦70,000 threshold “no longer sustainable” in today’s economic climate. The call comes amid escalating inflation and sharply rising costs of food, housing, transport, and utilities.
Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that inflation has severely eroded the purchasing power of ₦70,000, making it insufficient for families to meet basic needs. “Unless the government responds quickly, the crisis of survival will only worsen,” he warned.
While the NLC said it remains committed to dialogue, it added that industrial action remains on the table if negotiations fail. Labour has also urged workers to stay united and engaged to strengthen their collective position.
Shehu Mohammed, President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), welcomed the actions taken by some states, calling them “eye-openers” for the federal government. He noted that the union had initially demanded a minimum wage of ₦250,000 to ensure a living wage.
Mohammed underscored that with soaring electricity bills and transport costs, ₦70,000 cannot sustain a family even for 10 days. He further advocated that wage increases be paired with broader policy interventions—like affordable housing, affordable healthcare, and subsidised transport—to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.
Individual civil servants echoed the unions’ concerns stressing that the situation is unmanageable and unbearable, making them more susceptible to corruption.
