NLC Rejects N100,000 Minimum Wage Proposal by Governors

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed the Nigeria Governors' Forum's proposal for a new national minimum wage of N100,000, stating it is significantly below what workers require to cope with the current economic realities. NLC spokesperson Benson Upah expressed that the proposed wage does not align with the ongoing depreciation of the naira, rising inflation, increased electricity tariffs, and higher fuel prices.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who is also the chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, disclosed that the governors are considering this new minimum wage during a Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu. Upah noted that the current wage structure, which was set at N70,000 following negotiations in July 2024, remains inadequate as workers struggle with basic household expenses.

The NLC argues that a substantial wage increase is necessary to address the financial burdens faced by workers amid ongoing economic challenges.