The Organised Labour says it is pushing for an annual increase to the ₦70,000 minimum wage paid to workers in Nigeria.Labour said it is important that the minimum wage paid to workers reflects a yearly inflation rise.The president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said members of the organisation as well as their colleagues in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have begun talks in this regard.
Nigeria’s labour unions are calling for an annual review of the 70,000 Naira minimum wage, equivalent to $45 a month. That’s even though its full implementation, following its approval in July last year, has faced delays. So far, at least 20 of Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, along with major private sector employers, have started paying the new wage. But, analysts warn that conducting yearly wage reviews could present challenges and are urging the government to consider more sustainable, long-term solutions.
This is as a result of disparity in the income, revenue accruing to each of the stakeholders like states, local governments. They’re not equally endowed. 2, is the operational cost, the cost of doing business. They also have to pay higher electricity bills, higher rent, higher cost for fuel and general operation costs.
JIDE OJO , Public Affairs Analyst
Moreover, it has been six months since the government approved the 70,000 minimum wage, equivalent to $45 a month, but several states are struggling with its implementation.
If we’re able to improve food production, reduce inflation, reduce our penchant for importation…If we’re able to reign in insecurity because our food production increase is dependent on how we are able to stabilise the rural communities…these are things that I think ultimately will help us.
JIDE OJO , Public Affairs Analyst
The existing law mandates a review every three years, but union leaders argue that soaring inflation has eroded the value of the current minimum wage, making it inadequate to meet workers’ basic needs.The federal government says it expects states and private sector employers that are yet to implement the current minimum wage to do so by January 2025.
