The Obidient Movement on Friday declared its support for the ongoing push by the Nigeria Labour Congress for an upward review of the national minimum wage, urging the Federal Government to take urgent action to cushion the impact of rising inflation on workers.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, disclosed this in a Workers’ Day tribute issued in Abuja, where he described Nigerian workers as “the real heroes of the economy” whose contributions sustain national growth despite worsening economic conditions.
He said, “As of April 2026, the official national minimum wage remains ₦70,000 per month. “However, the NLC is actively pushing for a review, with proposals reaching ₦154,000 per month to combat high inflation and rising living costs.
“I strongly urge the Federal Government, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to implement the proposal from the NLC, so that Nigerian workers can navigate through the depleting economic condition of the country and afford necessities.”
Tanko noted that while Nigeria’s labour force remains a major pillar of the economy, government policies have failed to provide a conducive environment for workers to thrive.
Citing data from the Nigeria Labour Force Survey for Q1 2025, he stated that approximately 116.6 million Nigerians—representing 53.8 per cent of the population—are within the working-age group, with women accounting for 52 per cent and men for 48 per cent.
“However, despite the input from our most cherished labour force, the Federal Government has not done its best to sustain the tempo of productivity and provide a requisite socio-economic environment for our workers to thrive,” he stated.
The Obidient leader lamented rising unemployment and business closures, which he attributed to what he described as unfavourable economic policies.
“In the past three years, after the current Federal Government assumed office, unemployment rates increased by over 5.3 per cent, as stated by the NBS. The implication of this is that homes have been destabilised, jobs have been shuttered, and breadwinners displaced,” he said.
He added that many small and medium-scale enterprises, agribusinesses and even multinationals had shut down due to harsh economic conditions and policy missteps.
Tanko stressed that the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, established under the 2024 Act, is no longer sufficient given the rising cost of living, backing the NLC’s demand for a significant upward review.
He also called on the government to prioritise workers’ welfare through improved working conditions, enhanced security, tax reliefs, health benefits and housing support.
“The government should ensure a propitious working environment both in the public and private sectors, safe and secure societies, low taxation, health benefit schemes and housing subsidisation policies to encourage optimal performance.
“Rather than allotting residential plots for about 70 ambassadorial designate which gives them valuable lands and houses in Abuja, workers spend their time, energy and skill growing the economy and serving the nation for years without getting any substantial reward,” he said.
He further warned that Nigeria’s rising debt profile—now over N150 trillion, with a significant portion of the 2026 budget allocated to debt servicing—poses a serious threat to economic stability.
Despite the challenges, Tanko expressed optimism about the future, insisting that a better Nigeria is achievable.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has been pushing for an urgent upward review of the ₦70,000 minimum wage approved in July 2024, describing it as inadequate in the face of rising inflation and cost of living.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, has argued that workers need a “living wage” that can meet basic needs, stressing that even a higher nominal salary would be meaningless if the value of the naira continues to decline.
He noted that organised labour is more concerned about the purchasing power of wages, warning that inflation has continued to erode workers’ earnings.
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