As Nigerian workers mark the 2025 May Day celebration, state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have described the current N70,000 minimum wage as grossly inadequate, citing soaring inflation and worsening economic conditions under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In statements and interviews across the country, labour leaders accused the Federal Government of enacting policies that have deepened economic hardship for workers. They pointed specifically to the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira as the key triggers of runaway inflation, which they say has eroded the value of workers’ paychecks.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a statement released on Wednesday, acknowledged workers’ contributions to national development and assured that both the legislative and executive arms of government would collaborate to address their concerns. “Under our eyes, no Nigerian worker will be victimised on account of expressing themselves,” Akpabio said, promising labour-friendly legislation and improved working conditions.

Despite this assurance, union leaders say Nigerian workers are facing unprecedented hardship.

In Bayelsa State, TUC Chairman Comrade Julius Laye lamented that economic policies and new taxes have worsened workers’ conditions. “We are worse off in this administration than we have ever been,” Laye said, adding that the current minimum wage is insufficient to cover even basic healthcare costs.

In Ebonyi State, NLC Chairman Prof. Oguguo Egwu and TUC Chairman Comrade Igwe Chidi decried the deepening poverty among workers. Egwu noted that the theme of this year’s Workers’ Day, ‘Reclaiming a Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship’, reflects the grim reality of the Nigerian workforce. “Every face of a typical Nigerian worker tells the story of multidimensional poverty,” he said.

Niger State TUC Chairman Ibrahim Gana said the meager wage can no longer sustain the average worker. “It’s as if we are not even working. The inflation has wiped out any gain,” Gana stated, pointing to skyrocketing electricity tariffs, petrol prices, and food costs.

Rivers State NLC boss Alex Agwanwor echoed similar sentiments, stressing that inflation has diminished the value of the wage increase and called for an immediate review. “We haven’t fared better under Tinubu at all,” he said.

In Imo, NLC Chairman Comrade Chigaemezu Nwigwe criticized the government for failing to keep its promise of delivering a living wage. “It is becoming very difficult in the face of the fuel subsidy removal. Imo is not an exception,” he noted.

In Oyo State, NLC Chairman Comrade Kayode Martins said inflation and transport costs have pushed workers below the poverty line, while Lagos NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi expressed frustration over government inaction amid rising living costs. “Are we talking about accommodation, transportation, healthcare, education, or feeding? Prices keep rising,” she said.

Ogun State TUC boss Akeem Lasisi described the N70,000 minimum wage as inadequate, noting that many workers still earn as little as N30,000 without benefits. “Under President Tinubu, there is little to celebrate,” he said.

Benue NLC Chairman Terungwe Igbe said while the wage hike marginally increased workers’ incomes, it has been outpaced by the cost of food and essential goods. Similarly, Edo NLC Chairman Bernard Egwekhide said workers have suffered due to “harsh policies,” though he noted that the state has begun considering a wage review.

In Kwara State, NLC Chairman Saheed Olayinka said the removal of fuel subsidy has not yielded any benefits for workers, while TUC Chairman AbdulRaman Onikijipa described the plight of workers as “beyond lamentation.”

Despite these grievances, Senate President Akpabio urged workers to remain hopeful. “Together, we shall build a brighter future for Nigerian workers and our great nation,” he stated, reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to promoting labour welfare and protecting workers’ rights.

However, with no immediate policy shift on the horizon, organised labour appears determined to continue pressing for a more realistic and sustainable living wage, arguing that without action, Nigeria risks further impoverishing its workforce.