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  • FG to Review ₦70,000 Minimum Wage as Cost of Living Rises, Says Gbajabiamila

    The Federal Government has announced plans to review the ₦70,000 national minimum wage as rising living costs continue to put pressure on Nigerian workers, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said.

    Gbajabiamila made the announcement on Thursday at the Good Governance Summit 2026 organised by Working People United (WoPU) in Abuja, saying the Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring workers earn wages that reflect current economic realities.

    Government Promises Wage Review

    He recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the ₦70,000 minimum wage into law in July 2024, replacing the previous ₦30,000 benchmark.

    According to him, the President also reduced the wage review cycle from five years to three years to ensure workers’ salaries can be adjusted more frequently in response to changing economic conditions.

    Gbajabiamila said while the ₦70,000 minimum wage was a significant milestone when it was introduced, the government recognises the need for another review as the cost of living continues to increase.

    He assured workers that the review process would be carried out in collaboration with organised labour.

    “We will engage labour as partners, not as adversaries, to arrive at a fair outcome for Nigerian workers,” he said.

    Labour Minister Calls for Better Worker Welfare

    Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said the true measure of any government lies in how its policies improve the lives of workers.

    He said governance should deliver tangible benefits, including higher living standards, decent jobs, stronger social protection, improved productivity and wider economic opportunities.

    The planned review comes as labour unions and workers continue to express concerns over the impact of inflation and rising prices on household incomes.

     

  • Backlash as Onanuga Says He Doesn’t See Hunger Nigerians Are Complaining About

    Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has sparked controversy after stating that he does not see the level of hunger many Nigerians claim to be experiencing amid the country’s economic challenges.

    The presidential aide made the remark during an interview on ARISE News’ Prime Time programme on Tuesday, drawing immediate reactions from Nigerians on social media.

    Onanuga Defends Government Efforts

    Speaking during the interview, Onanuga said his personal interactions with workers around him do not reflect the severity of hunger often reported by Nigerians.

    “I don’t see the level of hunger Nigerians are complaining about,” he said, adding that the Federal Government had increased the national minimum wage by more than 100 percent.

    He noted that he regularly asks people working for him privately how they are coping with the current economic situation and believes government interventions are helping citizens adjust.

    Minimum Wage Increase Cited

    Onanuga referenced the increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, which took effect in 2024 following the signing of the amended minimum wage law.

    The administration has repeatedly pointed to the wage increase as part of measures designed to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms.

    Comments Trigger Public Reactions

    The remarks quickly generated backlash online, with many Nigerians accusing the presidential spokesman of being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

    Critics argued that rising food prices, transportation costs and inflation have significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers despite the wage increase.

    Several social media users questioned how government officials could dismiss widespread complaints about hardship when food inflation and living expenses remain high across the country.

    Economic Hardship Remains Major Concern

    Nigeria has continued to grapple with economic pressures following the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    While supporters of the reforms argue they are necessary for long-term economic stability, many households continue to face rising costs of food, energy and basic necessities.

    The controversy surrounding Onanuga’s comments has reignited debate over the impact of government policies and the growing perception gap between public officials and citizens.

    Debate Continues

    As reactions continue to trail the interview, no official clarification has been issued by the Presidency regarding the comments.

    The development adds to ongoing discussions about inflation, food security and the effectiveness of measures introduced to ease economic hardship across the country.

  • Taraba Government Cuts Street Sweepers’ Salary, Tells Unhappy Workers to Leave

    The Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency has reduced the monthly salary of street sweepers under its “Operation Keep Taraba Clean” programme from ₦15,000 to ₦10,000, a decision that has generated criticism from residents and social media users.

    The agency said the move was necessary to accommodate financial pressures linked to the recruitment of additional civil servants and declining available resources.

    Workers Face Another Salary Reduction

    The affected workers, mostly women and low-income youths, were initially employed in 2023 on a monthly salary of ₦20,000.

    Their pay was later reduced to ₦15,000 before the latest cut to ₦10,000.

    The reduction was announced by the agency’s chairman, Hon. Illiya Kefas, who said the adjustment was part of efforts to manage operational costs amid budget constraints.

    Agency Defends Decision

    According to Kefas, the agency is under pressure to balance available resources while sustaining government obligations.

    He reportedly stated that workers dissatisfied with the new arrangement are free to leave the programme.

    The chairman maintained that the decision was taken in response to financial realities facing the state government.

    Residents Question Government Priorities

    The decision has sparked backlash, particularly as reports indicate that Taraba State received about ₦42.62 billion in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements during the first quarter of 2026.

    Critics argue that reducing the earnings of some of the state’s lowest-paid workers sends the wrong message at a time when living costs continue to rise across the country.

    Many residents have questioned why sanitation workers should bear the burden of budget adjustments while government officials continue to enjoy allowances and other benefits.

    Concerns Over Welfare and Sanitation

    The latest pay reduction leaves the workers earning far below Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage.

    Observers warn that the move could affect staff morale and potentially impact sanitation services if workers decide to abandon their jobs.

    The development has also reignited discussions about the welfare of casual workers and the challenges facing vulnerable households amid economic pressures.

    Debate Continues

    The agency has yet to provide details on how many workers will be affected or whether any support measures will be introduced to cushion the impact.

    As public criticism grows, attention is likely to remain on the state’s handling of worker welfare and spending priorities in the coming weeks.

     

  • NLC Rejects Proposed ₦100,000 Minimum Wage, Says Nigerian Workers Deserve More

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected a proposed ₦100,000 national minimum wage reportedly being considered by state governors, insisting that the amount is not enough to meet the realities of Nigeria’s worsening economic situation.

    The labour union said rising inflation, fuel costs, electricity tariffs and the continued depreciation of the naira have significantly reduced the value of workers’ earnings.

    Governors Reviewing Wage Structure

    The debate followed comments by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who revealed that governors were discussing a possible review of the national minimum wage.

    According to him, ₦100,000 is among the figures being considered as governments seek ways to respond to the growing cost-of-living crisis affecting workers across the country.

    He stated that consultations were ongoing between state governments, the Federal Government and organised labour to ensure any wage adjustment remains sustainable.

    NLC Says ₦100,000 Is Not Enough

    Reacting to the proposal, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah described the amount as inadequate.

    He argued that the economic realities facing workers today make the proposed figure unrealistic, noting that the cost of transportation, food, housing and other essential services has risen sharply in recent years.

    According to him, the purchasing power of workers has continued to decline despite previous wage adjustments.

    Labour Pushes for Higher Wage

    Upah maintained that any meaningful wage review must reflect the actual cost of living in Nigeria.

    He said the current economic environment requires a much higher benchmark than ₦100,000, adding that workers are struggling to cope with increasing expenses.

    The labour leader also argued that improved government revenues should translate into better welfare packages for workers.

    Fresh Debate Over Workers’ Welfare

    The latest disagreement comes amid renewed calls for wage adjustments following the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, which have contributed to higher prices of goods and services.

    Nigeria’s current minimum wage of ₦70,000, approved in 2024 after extensive negotiations, has faced criticism from labour groups who argue that inflation has already eroded its value.

    As discussions continue, organised labour insists that any new wage structure must provide genuine relief for workers battling economic hardship.

  • ₦1m Salary Means Nothing Without Strong Naira, NLC President Ajaero Warns

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that a ₦1 million monthly salary will mean little for Nigerian workers if the naira remains weak and inflation continues to rise. NLC President Joe Ajaero made this known on Tuesday in Abuja, stressing that workers are more concerned about the real value of their earnings than the figures on paper. His remarks reflect growing frustration over declining living standards across the country.

    Purchasing Power Drops as Cost of Living Rises

    Ajaero said rising inflation has steadily reduced workers’ purchasing power, making it harder to afford basic needs such as food, transportation, and housing. He explained that the real challenge is not how much workers earn, but how far that income can go in today’s economy.

    “Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” he said. “What we are looking for is a currency that can sustain workers and their families at least to the end of the month.”

    Minimum Wage Negotiations Yet to Begin

    The labour leader clarified that talks on a new national minimum wage have not started, noting that the process follows a legal timeline and cannot be rushed. He dismissed suggestions that negotiations could begin immediately or be influenced by political pressure.

    According to him, discussions will commence at the appropriate time before the current wage structure expires, in line with established procedures. He stressed that due process is necessary to ensure fairness and sustainability in any new agreement.

    Fuel Prices and Inflation Deepen Hardship

    Ajaero linked the worsening economic situation to rising fuel prices, which he said continue to push up transportation costs, food prices, and overall living expenses. He noted that earlier concerns raised by organised labour about global factors affecting local fuel prices have not been adequately addressed.

    “The situation has not improved,” he said, warning that workers are bearing the brunt of policies that leave the economy exposed to external shocks. He called for urgent government intervention to ease the pressure on citizens.

    Pension Concerns and May Day Plans Emerge

    On pension matters, Ajaero expressed concern over the emergence of multiple pension unions, saying it has created confusion within the system. He revealed that the NLC is engaging stakeholders to resolve issues around deductions and remittances.

    Speaking ahead of Workers’ Day, he said any protest would be limited to states yet to fully implement the approved minimum wage. He added that while many states have complied, gaps remain, particularly in local government and education sectors.

    Call for Stronger Economic Policies

    Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s commitment to pushing for policies that improve workers’ welfare and stabilise the economy. He also acknowledged recent federal government steps, including the review of peculiar allowances and the approval of a 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants.

    He expressed hope that these measures would be effectively implemented, noting that lasting relief for workers depends on stronger economic policies and a more stable currency.