Workers’ Day: NLC Calls for N250,000 Minimum Wage Amid Economic Hardship

…As Labour Unions Demand Better Pay, Improved Working Conditions

Nigeria Labour Congress has called for a new minimum wage of two hundred fifty thousand Naira for workers from the federal government, stressing that the new minimum wage of seventy thousand Naira is not enough considering the current economic reality.

Recall that the new national minimum wage of N70,000 was implemented in July 2024.

This was stated by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Kayode Martins, during an exclusive interview with the National Daily News Publisher, Ogundele Olanrewaju, on this year’s Workers’ Day celebration.

Comrade Martins said that it is the responsibility of the federal government to control market prices of goods to arrest the hike in prices of food, urging government at all levels to assist workers to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

Echoing the lamentation of the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi, urged government at all levels to prioritize the basic needs of citizens as the only platform where all and sundry have a fair share in the civic space.

In his address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Segun Abatan, commended Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on the upward review of their pension, which was increased fourfold, making them the highest earners of pensioners across the states of the federation.

He urged members of Oyo State pensioners to continue supporting their union and not allow detractors to derail the vision, objective, and their commitment to the people.

Comrade Abatan further encouraged them to remain committed to their union.

Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State wing, Comrade Raji Oladimeji, assured the government of Oyo State of their commitment to providing sound, qualitative education to students and to doubling their efforts towards more productivity in terms of infrastructure.

He commended Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde for supporting teachers on career progression, prompt payment of their salaries, and for making the academic environment more conducive for them.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Labour Union Veterans, Comrade Ibrahim Bolomope, called on Oyo State workers to support the government by being diligent in their duties to the state civil service for effective and efficient civil service.

The Workers’ Day event, held at the Adamasingba Stadium, witnessed various professionals, a march past, and awards given to the most professional bodies that performed well in both the informal and formal sectors.