May Day Demand: Labour Urges Wage Review Amid Soaring Cost of Living

 NASS Vows to Address Workers’ Concerns as Labour Rejects N70,000 Minimum Wage

State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called for an immediate review of the N70,000 minimum wage, describing it as grossly inadequate amid worsening inflation and economic hardship. This demand comes as Nigeria marks the 2025 May Day celebrations.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a statement, assured that both the legislative and executive arms would collaborate to address workers’ concerns and promote growth. However, union leaders argue that workers have been worse off since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, despite his earlier promise to pay a "living wage."

Since Tinubu's removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, and subsequent devaluation of the naira, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Labour leaders told DIP CONNECTS  that inflation and high prices have eroded workers’ earnings, rendering the N70,000 minimum wage insufficient.

In Bayelsa, TUC Chairman Comrade Julius Laye said workers were now worse off due to increased taxes, tariffs, and economic policies. He added that healthcare had become unaffordable, pushing workers further into hardship.

In Ebonyi, NLC Chairman Prof. Oguguo Egwu and TUC’s Comrade Igwe Chidi criticised the persistent hardship despite the recent wage increment. Egwu, referencing this year’s May Day theme, “Reclaiming a Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship,” said workers lived in multidimensional poverty. Chidi noted that N70,000 barely covered essentials, urging a new wage adjustment.

Niger State TUC Chairman, Ibrahim Gana, blamed the Federal Government for worsening conditions, saying inflation had neutralized any benefits of the increased wage. He accused the Tinubu administration of ignoring workers’ needs and failing to stabilize the naira.

Rivers NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, also highlighted inflation and the high cost of living as major threats to worker welfare, stating the current wage was no longer meaningful. He called for another wage review to reflect economic realities.

In Imo, NLC Chairman Chigaemezu Nwigwe said workers were burdened by high expenses with inadequate income. He lamented that the government’s promises of a "living wage" had not materialized.

Oyo State NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins, said inflation had slashed workers’ purchasing power, pushing them below the standard of their African counterparts. He added that workers now lived well below the middle class due to inadequate earnings.

In Lagos, NLC Chairman Funmi Sessi decried the rising cost of living and poor public services. “Are we talking about accommodation, transport, healthcare, education or food? Everything has become unaffordable,” she said.

Ogun TUC boss, Akeem Lasisi, echoed similar concerns, saying there was little to celebrate. He said many workers earned as low as N30,000 without benefits, while union restrictions further limited workers' protections. He argued the N70,000 wage does not reflect current economic conditions.

In Benue, NLC Chairman Terungwe Igbe acknowledged the wage increase had some effect but noted that rising food prices had outpaced earnings.

Edo State NLC Chairman Bernard Egwekhide said workers had not fared well under Tinubu’s policies but praised the state for initiating discussions on wage review.

In Kwara, NLC Chairman Saheed Olayinka and TUC’s AbdulRaman Onikijipa both expressed disappointment with the impact of fuel subsidy removal, noting that it had worsened workers’ situations.

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio, in a statement by his media aide Eseme Eyiboh, praised workers' resilience and commitment to national development. He promised that under the Tinubu administration and the 10th National Assembly, no worker would be victimized for demanding their rights.

He assured that the Senate would prioritize labour-friendly legislation and protect workers’ rights. “We will not shirk our responsibility. Together with the Executive, we will address workers’ concerns and build a brighter future,” Akpabio said.

By Henry Falaye, Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis, Edward Nnachi, Samuel Ese, Dennis Naku, John Charles, Adeyinka Adedipe, Uche Okere, Tunde Oyekola, Bankole Taiwo, Chika Otuchikere & Gabriel Oshokha

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ADEOLA KUNLE