Labour Demands N154,000 Minimum Wage Amid Economic Hardship

On March 12, 2026, the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), led by Chairman Benjamin Anthoni and Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga, submitted a formal demand for an upward review of the minimum wage to N154,000. This demand, representing a 120% increase, was prompted by the severe economic hardships public servants are experiencing due to high inflation, rising fuel prices, and increased costs of living.

The council noted that the last wage adjustment did not keep pace with current economic realities, significantly eroding the real value of salaries. They emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the existing salary structure to ensure fair remuneration and sustain the workforce.

The council called for immediate negotiations with the relevant committees to develop a new salary template applicable across all ministries and agencies, and to implement automatic salary adjustments in line with inflation rates to prevent future wage lag.