Surviving on ₦70,000 minimum wage now impossible – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal government workers are asking for an urgent review of the national minimum wage, saying the current ₦70,000 can no longer meet their needs.

Their call follows moves by several states to raise the pay of workers above ₦70,000 due to the rising cost of living.

President Bola Tinubu had signed the new National Minimum Wage Bill into law in July 2024, increasing the wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. The law applies to all levels of government and the private sector.

However, some states have since gone higher. On August 27, 2025, Imo State raised its minimum wage to ₦104,000, while Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Delta, Benue, Osun, and Ondo States have all approved wages ranging from ₦73,000 to ₦100,000.

Mr. Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, said inflation has reduced the value of ₦70,000, leaving many workers struggling.
“₦70,000 is not sustainable in today’s economy,” he said. “If the government does not act quickly, survival will become more difficult.”

He noted that while labour is open to dialogue, workers may have no choice but to consider strike action if nothing changes.

Mr. Shehu Mohammed, President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), praised state governors who increased wages. He reminded the federal government that labour had originally demanded ₦250,000 as a fair living wage.
“₦70,000 only takes a worker to the office gate, not back home,” he said.

He also urged the government to provide affordable housing, healthcare, and transport to reduce the burden on workers.

Some civil servants also shared their struggles.

• Mrs. Kemi George said: “By the time I pay transport and buy food, nothing is left. Rent and school fees are almost impossible.”
• Mr. Obi Chimaobi described the situation as unbearable: “A bag of rice is now like gold. With ₦70,000, you are already in debt before the month ends.”
• Mrs. Bola Akingbade added that better pay would make workers more productive and less likely to be corrupt.

Another worker, Mr. Jeremiah Okon, said if some states with limited revenue can raise wages, the federal government must do better. He suggested increasing the minimum wage to at least ₦150,000.

He stressed that higher wages should not be seen as a burden but as a way to boost the economy, since workers will spend more on goods and services, helping local businesses grow.