As Nigeria commemorates May Day 2025, state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called for an urgent review of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, citing the worsening economic crisis and the mounting cost of living under the current administration.
Labour leaders across several states decried the financial hardship faced by workers, arguing that the current wage structure is inadequate in the face of hyperinflation, subsidy removal, and economic policies they say have deepened poverty.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the distress facing workers and pledged that the legislative and executive arms of government would collaborate to address their concerns. “We will not shirk our responsibility to create opportunities for growth and prosperity,” he said.
But union leaders rejected reassurances, arguing that workers have suffered more under President Bola Tinubu’s administration despite his campaign promise of a “living wage.” Many said the minimum wage has lost its value, offering no relief from daily struggles.
“The Nigerian worker is worse off today than ever before,” said Comrade Julius Laye, TUC Chairman in Bayelsa State. “The removal of fuel subsidies and new taxes have led to hyperinflation. ₦70,000 cannot even cover basic healthcare.”
In Ebonyi, NLC Chairman Prof. Oguguo Egwu described the economic pain as “unprecedented,” noting the theme of this year’s celebration—“Reclaiming a Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship.” He and TUC counterpart Comrade Igwe Chidi said the workers’ purchasing power has been decimated.
In Niger State, TUC Chairman Ibrahim Gana said inflation and soaring utility prices have neutralized the impact of wage increases. “It feels like we’re not even working,” he said. “You collect your salary, and it disappears immediately.”
The story was the same in Rivers, where NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor called for an immediate wage review. “The prices of goods and services have gone through the roof. Despite the salary increase, workers are still struggling to survive.”
Comrade Chigaemezu Nwigwe of Imo State NLC described the minimum wage as “a major issue every worker is facing,” while in Oyo, NLC Chairman Kayode Martins said workers had been pushed below the poverty line by unchecked inflation and unfavourable policies.
In Lagos, NLC boss Funmi Sessi lamented the lack of affordable services, saying the civic space is shrinking under rising economic pressure. “Accommodation, transportation, education, feeding—nothing is getting better,” she said.
Ogun State TUC Chairman Akeem Lasisi added, “There’s little to celebrate today, even with the approved ₦70,000 minimum wage. It just doesn’t go far enough.”
Despite various state-level adjustments, labour leaders said only a comprehensive and timely review of the national minimum wage law—originally set for review every three years—could begin to address the current crisis.
