Lawmakers in the House of Representatives elected from opposition political parties have urged the Federal Government to implement a new minimum wage exceeding ₦100,000 to address the demands of organized labour.
Organized labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, is advocating for a ₦494,000 minimum wage, as opposed to the ₦60,000 proposed by the Federal Government. After a series of unsuccessful meetings last week, organized labour commenced a nationwide strike on Monday, significantly disrupting economic activities across the country.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, expressed concern over the plight of the average Nigerian worker, emphasizing that failing to provide a living wage violates constitutional obligations.
“In Nigeria today, any wage below $200 (₦298,800) is absurd. The Nigerian worker is severely underpaid, and it is the government’s duty to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens. Neglecting to pay a living wage is unconstitutional as it disregards citizen welfare,” Chinda stated.
He proposed that public and government officers should receive monthly wages, while private or casual employees should be considered for an hourly rate. “The sooner the government resolves this issue with labour unions, the better,” he added.
Similarly, Oluwole Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, argued that only a living wage would enable most Nigerians to manage the current economic realities.
“The minimum wage the Federal Government should pay is ₦120,000. Wage increases have linkages, effects, and consequences, and Nigerian workers deserve living wages,” said Oke, who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary. He also emphasized the need to consider the private sector’s productivity and its ability to sustain wage increases.
Chinedu Obika, representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory and a member of the Labour Party, insisted that the minimum wage should not be less than ₦150,000 “based on the current reality.” Obika further urged the Federal Government to take into account the inflation rate over the past few years when determining the new wage for Nigerian workers.