May Day: Labour Unions Across Nigeria Decry Worsening Worker Hardship, Demand Urgent Review of N70,000 Minimum Wage Amid Soaring Inflation and Economic Strain Under Tinubu Administration
As Nigeria marks the 2025 May Day celebration, various state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have raised alarm over the worsening condition of Nigerian workers, demanding an urgent review of the N70,000 minimum wage, which they say has been rendered ineffective by soaring inflation and harsh economic policies.
This call for a wage review comes amid reassurances from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who vowed that both the legislative and executive arms of government would not abandon their responsibility to improve workers’ welfare and provide opportunities for prosperity.
Despite these promises, labour leaders across the country lamented that Nigerian workers have experienced greater hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They argue that Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, and the devaluation of the naira have triggered a steep rise in the cost of living, reducing the minimum wage to a mere token.
In Bayelsa State, TUC Chairman Comrade Julius Laye described the Tinubu era as the worst period for workers, citing new taxes, rising tariffs, and hyperinflation as key contributors to the economic squeeze. “Even the minimum wage can’t cover Medicare. Workers are worse off now than ever,” he said.
In Ebonyi State, NLC Chairman Prof. Oguguo Egwu and TUC Chairman Comrade Igwe Chidi said the hardship faced by workers is unprecedented. Egwu said this year’s Workers Day theme, ‘Reclaiming Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship’, reflects the severe realities on ground. “The face of a Nigerian worker tells the story of multi-dimensional poverty,” he said.
TUC Chairman in Niger State, Ibrahim Gana, echoed similar sentiments, blaming the federal government for what he called a “pathetic” situation, where inflation has wiped out any gains from the wage increase. “You collect your salary like you didn’t even get paid,” he said.
In Rivers State, NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor said inflation has rendered the minimum wage meaningless. “We haven’t fared better under Tinubu. A review is urgently needed,” he insisted.
From Imo to Oyo, Lagos to Ogun, Benue to Edo, and Kwara, union leaders described a grim picture of high living costs, stagnant wages, poor public services, and policies that have pushed workers into deeper hardship. Some workers reportedly still earn as little as N30,000, with no benefits or access to welfare programmes.
Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, pointed to the rising cost of housing, healthcare, transport, and food, saying, “Prices keep rising, and nothing is being done to ease the pain.”
Ogun TUC Chairman, Akeem Lasisi, said despite the approval of the N70,000 wage last year, workers are still plagued by job insecurity and limited access to essential services. “There is little to celebrate,” he stated.
In contrast, Senate President Akpabio in his May Day message praised Nigerian workers for their resilience and promised that under the 10th National Assembly, no worker would be victimised. He said the Senate would continue to promote labour-friendly legislation and work closely with the executive to address workers’ needs.
“Despite challenges, you remain the backbone of our economy. We will not shirk our responsibility to stand with you,” Akpabio assured.
However, the growing consensus among labour leaders is that without immediate government action to adjust the minimum wage in line with current realities, Nigerian workers will continue to suffer under economic pressure.
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 and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have raised alarm over the worsening condition of Nigerian workers, demanding an urgent review of the N70,000 minimum wage, which they say has been rendered ineffective by soaring inflation and harsh economic policies.){kind=link}