Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

NLC Rejects Governors’ ₦100,000 Minimum Wage Proposal Amid Rising Inflation

Labour unions say new offer falls short as data shows healthy diet now costs over ₦230,000 monthly for families

Published

22 hours ago

on

Labour unions say new offer falls short as data shows healthy diet now costs over ₦230,000 monthly for families

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed a proposal by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to set the new national minimum wage at ₦100,000, insisting that the figure does not reflect current economic realities. The debate intensified on Monday after NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, put forward the ₦100,000 figure during ongoing negotiations with labour in Abuja.

Organised labour, represented by NLC spokesman Benson Upah, argued that inflation and currency devaluation have eroded the value of workers’ salaries, rendering the governors’ offer inadequate. Upah described the proposal as “grossly insufficient” and stated that a realistic minimum wage should be closer to ₦1 million monthly given prevailing market prices. The Federal Workers Forum also criticised the offer, calling it a “Greek gift” that does not address the hardship experienced by public sector employees across states.

The clamour for wage review comes less than two years after government raised the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 in July 2024. However, data from Dataphyte indicates that by mid-2024, the real value of ₦30,000 had dropped to just ₦11,708 due to persistent inflation. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported that workers lost ₦2.79 trillion in purchasing power within 2024 alone. Many states are yet to implement even the previous minimum wage for local government workers and primary school teachers.

Cost-of-living figures underline labour’s position: analysis cited by The Whistler shows that a healthy adult diet now averages ₦1,541 daily—₦46,230 per month—excluding meal preparation. For an average family of just over five persons in Nigeria, this translates to more than ₦233,923 monthly or more than three times the current minimum wage. Even with the proposed increase to ₦100,000 monthly, most workers would still struggle to meet basic nutritional requirements recommended by global health standards.

While some observers consider labour’s demand for a ₦1 million minimum wage excessive in view of government revenue constraints, stakeholders agree that repeated wage increases have consistently been overtaken by inflation. As discussions continue between government and unions on a new national minimum wage framework, many Nigerians remain concerned about whether any agreement will deliver real improvements in living conditions.

Source: https://punchng.com/nigerian-workers-deserve-a-living-wage/

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London

Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority

Published

9 minutes ago

on

June 11, 2026

By

Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority

Governor Olayemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been presented with the 2026 Central Banking Central Bank of the Year Award at a ceremony in London on Thursday. The award, which recognises excellence in central banking practice and leadership, highlights Nigeria’s role in global monetary policy discussions.

The event saw Cardoso join other top financial leaders from around the world as he accepted the prestigious accolade on behalf of Nigeria’s apex bank. The organisers noted that the CBN was selected for its performance and reforms in recent years, though specific criteria for this year’s recognition were not disclosed at the event.

The Central Banking Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for outstanding achievement among financial regulators globally. Past winners have included central banks from both developed and emerging markets, making this year’s award a significant milestone for Nigeria. Financial analysts say such honours can boost investor confidence and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices in economic management.

While official reactions from other government figures were not immediately available as at press time, observers within Nigeria’s financial sector have welcomed the recognition. Stakeholders point to ongoing reforms under Cardoso’s leadership and efforts to stabilise the naira and strengthen regulatory frameworks.

The CBN is expected to continue engaging with international partners following this achievement, as monetary authorities look to build on recent gains and address ongoing economic challenges. Further statements from Cardoso or federal officials are anticipated in the coming days.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/887010-cardoso-receives-2026-central-banking-central-bank-of-the-year-award-in-london.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention

Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins

Published

19 minutes ago

on

June 11, 2026

By

Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins

Ijaw and Urhobo community leaders in Delta State have appealed to protesters occupying oil facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area to withdraw, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing dispute. The call was made on Thursday after federal authorities began mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-standing grievances over the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.

According to community sources, the affected oil installations had been occupied by demonstrators demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on constituency boundaries. This action, which disrupted operations at several key sites, prompted urgent engagement from both local leaders and the presidency.

The dispute over Warri Federal Constituency has persisted for years, with various ethnic groups raising concerns about political representation and resource allocation in the oil-rich region. The recent protest heightened tension in Delta State’s South-South zone, with stakeholders warning of possible economic losses if oil production remained paralysed.

Leaders from both Ijaw and Urhobo communities issued separate statements urging their youths to stand down while talks with federal officials continue. “We must give room for dialogue now that Mr President has shown commitment to address our demands,” one statement read. The elders also cautioned against further disruptions, noting the strategic importance of oil revenues for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.

Presidential envoys are expected to meet with representatives of all aggrieved groups in the coming days. Meanwhile, security agencies have maintained patrols around major installations to deter any escalation. Delta State government officials have not issued an official comment as at press time.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887009-warri-crisis-ijaw-urhobo-leaders-ask-protesters-to-leave-oil-facilities-after-tinubus-intervention.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Returnee Narrates Trauma as Xenophobic Attacks Trigger Mass Evacuations from South Africa

Federal government steps up repatriation efforts after multiple Nigerians recount violence and loss during Johannesburg unrest

Published

24 minutes ago

on

June 11, 2026

By

Federal government steps up repatriation efforts after multiple Nigerians recount violence and loss during Johannesburg unrest

A Nigerian returnee from Lagos State has described harrowing experiences during the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, following the federal government’s renewed evacuation exercise on Thursday. The incident, which unfolded in Johannesburg and other cities, prompted Nigerian authorities to accelerate efforts to bring affected citizens home safely.

According to the returnee, who arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport alongside dozens of compatriots, many Nigerians were targeted in their homes and businesses, suffering physical assault and loss of property. The returnee detailed how attackers stormed residential areas, looting shops and setting buildings ablaze, leaving several families stranded with nowhere to turn.

The latest xenophobic violence has heightened concerns among Nigerians both at home and abroad, given the recurring pattern of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. In response, government said it remains committed to protecting its citizens wherever they reside. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that over 300 Nigerians had signalled interest in voluntary evacuation since the unrest escalated last week.

An official statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to ensure orderly repatriation. Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged government to provide psychological support for returnees dealing with trauma. “We urge authorities to prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected,” one advocacy group stated.

As more flights are scheduled to bring additional evacuees home in coming days, stakeholders are calling for long-term diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa to address the root causes of xenophobia. Experts say economic hardship and rising unemployment in host communities continue to fuel tensions against migrants.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886996-xenophobia-evacuations-nigerian-returnee-recounts-traumatic-experiences-in-south-africa.html

Continue Reading