NLC Rejects NGF's N100,000 Minimum Wage Proposal

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed the Nigeria Governors' Forum's (NGF) proposal of a N100,000 minimum wage as insufficient, advocating for a monthly minimum wage of N1 million. This demand arises amidst escalating inflation and a significant rise in living costs in Nigeria.

The current national minimum wage is N70,000, which the NLC argues is inadequate given the economic realities. The NGF, chaired by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, has been urged to consider the dire conditions faced by workers.

The NLC's spokesman, Benson Upah, stated that the proposed N100,000 wage falls far below realistic figures. The NLC plans to intensify negotiations for a wage review, especially as the federal government is expected to approve a new national minimum wage by July 2024.

The economic situation has worsened due to the removal of fuel subsidies and the depreciation of the naira, leading to increased transport and food costs, further eroding workers' purchasing power.