LAGOS, Nigeria: The Nigeria Labour Congress rejected a proposed N100,000 ($66) national minimum wage on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:02 PM WAT, stating that workers require N1,000,000 ($666) monthly to offset current economic conditions.
Okay News reports that Benson Upah, spokesperson for the labour union, made the declaration in response to a statement by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
AbdulRazaq announced on Saturday, May 30, 2026, that state governments were engaging with the Federal Government and organized labour to review the wage structure due to rising inflation. Upah acknowledged the initiative but dismissed the suggested figure. “We consider it thoughtful of the Kwara State governor to propose this, but certainly, N100,000 falls far below the realistic figure,” Upah said.
The labour spokesperson attributed the necessity of a higher wage to currency depreciation, increased electricity tariffs, higher fuel costs, and new tax measures. “Given the realities around the exchange rate, inflation, raised tariffs, the surge in the pump price of petrol and associated costs, the decline in the purchasing power of the average worker, and the effects of the new tax regime on our cost of living, the realistic figure, subject to status quo maintenance, would be N1 million,” he said.
Upah asserted that improved government revenues should facilitate higher compensation for workers. “In light of the earnings by governments, this should not be a big issue. Check what is being shared at FAAC. The windfall from the Middle East war has put over N5tn in the treasury. Even though this is temporary, it is nonetheless very good for governments,” he said.
The national minimum wage was previously set at N70,000 ($46) in July 2024 following negotiations between the government and labour unions. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has not formally presented a new minimum wage framework to the Federal Government or labour representatives.
