A negotiations continue over the new national minimum wage, Nigerian workers have expressed concerns that the proposed N70,000 is inadequate to meet basic living expenses in the face of the country’s escalating inflation and economic hardship.
Several labour unions and workers across different sectors have voiced disappointment over the figure, insisting that it falls short of the realities on ground.
According to them, the skyrocketing prices of food, transportation, housing, and healthcare have rendered the proposed wage insufficient for a decent standard of living.
A civil servant in Abuja told reporters, “How can N70,000 sustain a family in today’s Nigeria? Rent alone in the city takes more than half of that amount, not to talk of feeding, school fees, and other essentials. We expected more from the government.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have repeatedly emphasized the need for a realistic wage that reflects current economic challenges.
They argue that any wage below the true cost of living would leave workers in deeper financial distress.
Labour leaders also pointed out that the proposed minimum wage does not consider the sharp depreciation of the naira, which has further reduced purchasing power.
“The minimum wage should be enough to afford workers a life of dignity, not one of constant struggle and debt,” said a union representative.
As the Federal Government continues consultations with labour and state governments, there is growing pressure to revise the wage upwards in line with current economic conditions.
Many workers have vowed to press for a more realistic wage offer, warning that failure to do so could trigger further industrial actions in the near future.
