Organized Labour, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has unveiled the specifics of its proposed N615,000 minimum wage, as outlined in a statement released by the NLC on Friday.
The breakdown of the proposed minimum wage allocates the largest portions to Food and Transportation, with N270,000 earmarked for food expenses and N110,000 designated for transportation costs over a thirty-day period.
Additionally, allocations were made for other essential needs, including Electricity/Power (N20,000), Accommodation (N40,000), Utility Water (N10,000), Kerosene/Gas (N35,000), Clothing (N20,000), Education (N50,000), Sanitation (N10,000), and Medicals (N50,000), resulting in a total sum of N615,000.
This proposal follows earlier statements by Festus Osifo, President of TUC, and Joe Ajaero, President of NLC, regarding the necessity of a substantial increase in the minimum wage to address the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
Meanwhile, in his May Day message to workers, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the pressing need for an upward review of the minimum wage, reflecting the government’s awareness of the economic hardships endured by the workforce. This call for an increase in wages comes amidst soaring inflation rates, which reached 33.20 per cent in March 2024, exacerbating the financial strain on Nigerian workers.
