The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal civil servants have called on the Federal Government to urgently review the national minimum wage, insisting that the current ₦70,000 is no longer realistic in the face of rising inflation and economic hardship.
President Bola Tinubu had signed the new National Minimum Wage Bill into law in July 2024, raising the wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 across the public and private sectors. But workers now argue that the fast-rising cost of living has eroded its value.
Recent wage increases in several states have intensified pressure on the federal government. Imo State raised its minimum wage to ₦104,000 in August 2025, while Lagos and Rivers pegged theirs at ₦85,000, with Lagos promising a further rise to ₦100,000 in 2025. Other states like Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom approved ₦80,000; Ogun and Delta ₦77,000; Benue and Osun ₦75,000; and Ondo ₦73,000.
NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, told NAN that workers are struggling to survive:
“The truth is that ₦70,000 is not sustainable under the present economic situation. Workers are under immense pressure, and unless the government responds quickly, the crisis of survival will only worsen.”
He warned that while labour prefers dialogue, industrial action remains an option if negotiations stall.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) also echoed the call. Its president, Shehu Mohammed, recalled that labour had originally demanded ₦250,000 as a living wage, not ₦70,000.
“With electricity tariffs, transportation, and food prices skyrocketing, ₦70,000 has lost its value. Even if you pay electricity bills, what remains cannot sustain a family for 10 days,” he said.
Mohammed urged the government to pair wage increases with policies on affordable housing, healthcare, and transport to ease the cost of living.
Civil servants interviewed by NAN painted grim pictures of survival.
- Kemi George, a federal worker, said most of her salary is consumed by transport and food, leaving little for rent or school fees.
- Obi Chimaobi described the situation as “unbearable,” noting that “with ₦70,000, you are already in debt before the month even ends.”
- Bola Akingbade stressed that better pay would motivate workers, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery.
For many, the demand goes beyond labour agitation. Workers say the review is essential to restore dignity to work, boost productivity, and renew citizens’ trust in government.
About the author
Asake reaffirms loyalty to Olamide downplays split rumours
Afrobeats star Asake has reaffirmed his loyalty to rapper Olamide and dismissed talks of a rift between them despite recent online speculation . In an interview with YouTuber Korty EO, Asake described Olamide, also known as Baddo, as someone he will always hold in the same high regard regardless of how far his own career goes . He said that even if he becomes president of America or Zimbabwe, the way he sees Baddo will never change, stressing that Olamide will always be Baddo in his eyes . Rumours of a split surfaced after Asake removed YBNL from his Instagram bio and unfollowed Olamide in December 2024, prompting fans to suggest there had been a fallout . Industry sources say Asake’s contract with YBNL may have quietly expired, with the singer now operating independently rather than renewing the deal . […]
Gospel singer Judikay recounts emotional loss of sixth pregnancy
Gospel singer Judikay has opened up about the emotional pain of losing her sixth pregnancy, describing the experience as deeply distressing and difficult to process . In a video shared on Instagram, she revealed that the miscarriage happened in February 2025 when she was more than three months pregnant . She said the ordeal began with mild cramps, which she initially dismissed as normal discomfort until she noticed light bleeding, or spotting, that raised concern . Further medical checks later confirmed that she had suffered a missed miscarriage, a diagnosis that left her devastated . Judikay recalled rushing to the washroom and realising that what she expected to be urine was in fact blood that would not stop flowing, making it clear to her that she had lost the baby . She explained that this was the sixth time she […]
Adeboye’s wife says she threw her gold jewellery into lagoon after becoming born again
Foluke Adeboye, wife of Redeemed Christian Church of God General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye, says she threw her gold jewellery into a lagoon after she became a born again Christian . She said in an interview that she once loved fashion and owned valuable pieces but decided to give them up when she joined the RCCG, where wearing earrings was discouraged at the time . Foluke explained that the jewellery she discarded included items she had even set aside for her child, but she felt they no longer aligned with her new convictions about modesty and Christian living . She recalled that a friend of her mother questioned the decision and suggested she could have given the gold to her mother to sell instead . Foluke said she refused because she believed that anything she considered no longer good for […]
Asake says God used 2020 setbacks to humble and prepare him for success
Singer Asake says the difficulties he faced in 2020 were a turning point that humbled him and prepared him for later success . In an interview with content creator Korty EO, he recalled feeling as if God first gave him something sweet and then took it away, leaving him confused at the time . Asake explained that he only later realised that God was using that season to build and shape him, even though he did not understand it while it was happening . He said God then gave him the song with the line “Me I no dey cap, me I no dey form,” which became a breakthrough moment for his career . The artist also spoke about his long standing desire to move abroad, especially to Los Angeles in the United States . He revealed that, even before […]
Messi reaches 900 career goals as Inter Miami crash out of Champions Cup
Lionel Messi scored the 900th goal of his professional career but could not stop Inter Miami from exiting the CONCACAF Champions Cup on away goals after a 1 1 draw with Nashville SC in Fort Lauderdale . Messi, 38, struck after just seven minutes to give Miami the lead in the second leg of their last 16 tie at Chase Stadium, raising hopes of a memorable night for the MLS champions . However, Nashville’s Cristian Espinoza fired in a 74th minute equaliser to level the tie 1 1 on aggregate, and the visitors then held firm to progress to the quarter finals on the away goals rule . The result turned what began as a celebration of Messi’s milestone into a bittersweet farewell, as the game was also Inter Miami’s last appearance at their Chase Stadium home before moving to […]
Iran says it will boycott US not World Cup over 2026 venue row
Iran will boycott the United States but not the 2026 World Cup itself, according to Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj . In a video released by Iranian news agency Fars, Taj said Iran will continue preparing for the tournament but wants its matches moved away from US venues . He explained that the federation is in talks with FIFA about relocating Iran’s World Cup group games, which are currently scheduled to be played in the United States . Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country is ready to host Iran’s first round games if required, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East . She told reporters that Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with all countries and will wait for FIFA’s decision, but confirmed that Mexico is open to staging the fixtures . Iran are due to face New Zealand […]
Related
Sultan declares Friday Eid il Fitr after non sighting of Shawwal moon
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared tomorrow as Eid il Fitr . The announcement followed the non sighting of the Shawwal moon across Nigeria on Wednesday night . According to the Sultan’s media team, the declaration was contained in a statement issued by Prof Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee . The statement confirmed that no verified reports of the Shawwal crescent were received from moon sighting committees nationwide, meaning Muslims must complete 30 days of fasting for Ramadan 1447AH . It explained that, in line with Qur’an and Hadith, when the new moon is not seen on the 29th day of a lunar month, Muslims are […]
Cardoso says Nigerian economy now stronger against global shocks
Nigeria’s economy is now stronger and better positioned to withstand global economic shocks, according to Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso . Speaking at the Africa Capital Forum in London on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, Cardoso said the financial system is being strengthened through disciplined monetary policies and institutional reforms . He explained that the CBN is reviewing its policy framework to make decisions more predictable and reduce uncertainty for investors, with the goal of developing clear, consistent and meaningful policies rather than relying on discretion . Cardoso disclosed that the apex bank has completed work on a new Payments System Vision for Nigeria, which will soon be launched to position the country as a major player in digital payments and cross border transactions across Africa . On the foreign […]
Nigeria spends N32.8trn on defence in 15 years as insecurity persists
Nigeria has spent about N32.88 trillion on defence in the last 15 years, roughly 12.5 percent of total national budgets of N262.834 trillion over the period, yet insecurity remains widespread across the country . Based on official budget exchange rates, the N32.88 trillion translates to about 44.64 billion dollars, but communities across several regions still face insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and oil related violence . Security trackers estimate that more than 100,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent incidents and conflict related attacks since 2012, with thousands abducted and millions displaced from their homes . In 2026 alone, at least 1,091 people were reported killed in violent attacks in the first 41 days of the year, while about 3.726 million Nigerians are currently displaced and living in roughly 3,900 camps nationwide . The recent suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno […]
Pomp and splendour as King Charles hosts Tinubu and wife at historic UK state visit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were hosted with pomp and splendour by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years . Military President Ibrahim Babangida was the last Nigerian leader to pay a state visit in 1989, following earlier state visits by former President Shehu Shagari in 1981 and General Yakubu Gowon, all of whom were hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II . Tinubu and his wife were received by senior royals, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before being escorted to meet the King and Queen for the formal welcome . Because the visit coincides with Ramadan, there was no traditional lunch with the King, but the President and First Lady were still treated to […]
CDS COAS DG NEMA relocate to Maiduguri after Tinubu directive
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency have relocated to Maiduguri, Borno State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive . The move comes in response to a recent surge in Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks and bombings in Borno, including deadly explosions in Maiduguri, the state capital . Tinubu had ordered all service chiefs and heads of key security agencies to move to Maiduguri to coordinate intensified operations aimed at quickly restoring security and public confidence in the North East . On Wednesday, Oluyede and Shaibu arrived at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, where they were received by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other senior officers . The service chiefs later proceeded […]
Tinubu and First Lady receive royal welcome as UK state visit opens
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun his historic state visit to the United Kingdom with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, where he was received by King Charles III . This is the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, marking a significant milestone in relations between both countries . Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, was honoured with a 42 gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as part of the formal arrival ceremonies . Earlier, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcomed the Nigerian First Family and escorted them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the historic royal residence . The two day visit will see the King host the president and his wife at Windsor Castle, with activities including an exchange of official gifts and […]