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

5 months 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)

NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide

Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.

According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.

The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.

In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.

The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/914524-nscia-expands-its-national-executive-council.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year

Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.

According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.

The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.

The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.

As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days

Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.

According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.

The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.

While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.

With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/914520-2027-inec-to-address-nigerians-as-election-countdown-hits-100-days.html

Continue Reading