Labour unions in Nigeria are urging the government to adjust the ₦70,000 minimum wage every year to keep up with rising inflation.
Speaking on Politics Today on January 1, 2025, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, said workers deserve a wage that reflects the increasing cost of living.
He explained that instead of waiting years for a review, wages should be adjusted annually based on inflation rates.
“For example, if inflation for December is 35%, we should apply that to the current ₦70,000 minimum wage so it matches the real value,” Osifo said.
The unions are pushing for this change as the current ₦70,000, introduced in 2024 after long negotiations, has already been eroded by the rising cost of living caused by subsidy removal and higher energy prices.
Labour leaders plan to continue discussions in 2025 to make the minimum wage more realistic for workers.
