Keyamo Calls for Minimum Wage Increase Amid Economic Strain

Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of State for Labour and Employment under Late President Muhammadu Buhari, declared that the current minimum wage of N70,000 is no longer sustainable for workers amid economic difficulties. Speaking at the 2026 National Pre-Retirement Summit organized by XEM Consultants Limited in Abuja, Keyamo urged for an immediate upward review of wages to enhance worker productivity.

He criticized the treatment of workers by some government agencies, highlighting issues such as the denial of basic allowances while senior officials spend excessively on international trips. Keyamo recalled the negotiations that led to the increase of the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 during his tenure as Labour junior minister.

He emphasized the need to prioritize workers' welfare, stating that without addressing their needs, the economy cannot progress. Additionally, civil servants, represented by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), issued an ultimatum to the government to stabilize petrol prices at N500 per litre.