₦70,000 Minimum Wage Not Fully Implemented Across States — Even ₦150,000 May Not Be Enough Amid Hardship — Comrade Oseni Suleiman
By Genesis Ogiri
The National President of the Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria, Comrade Dr. Oseni Suleiman, has raised concerns over the implementation and adequacy of Nigeria’s current minimum wage, insisting that the ₦70,000 wage has not been fully implemented across many states and its review is already overdue.
Speaking with journalists during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, he said there remains a wide gap between the wage agreement and its actual implementation at state level.
“The ₦70,000 minimum wage has not gone round across the states. The review is long overdue,” he said.
Comrade Suleiman further argued that even an upward adjustment to ₦150,000 may still not adequately address the rising cost of living and widespread economic hardship facing workers.
“Even if government pays ₦150,000 as minimum wage, it will still not be enough considering the level of hardship in the country,” he stated.
He also stressed that beyond wage concerns, urgent attention must be given to food availability and affordability, noting that the economic pressure on households is becoming increasingly severe.
“We need food supply,” he added.
The labour leader called on the Federal Government to fully implement existing agreements reached with labour unions, warning that public trust depends on consistency in honouring negotiated commitments.
“What is promised must be kept. A promise made is a promise kept. Government must keep to the roundtable agreements reached with labour unions,” he said.
He urged Nigerian workers to remain united and resilient in their advocacy for improved welfare, better working conditions, and fair compensation, expressing hope for better outcomes ahead of the 2027 Workers’ Day celebration.
“I urge workers to continue in struggle while anticipating the best in 2027 May Day,” he added.
The remarks highlight growing concerns among trade unions over inflation, rising living costs, and the effectiveness of wage adjustments in Nigeria’s current economic climate.
Earlier, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, highlighted the growing challenges of insecurity and poverty, describing them as twin barriers preventing millions of Nigerians from accessing decent work.
“If insecurity is addressed, people will return to their farms, food production will increase, and economic activities will thrive without heavy government intervention,” Ajaero noted.
He further observed that nearly 90 percent of jobs in Nigeria are within the informal sector, where workers lack pensions, job security, and basic protections.
“If there is poverty and insecurity, many people don’t even have jobs, let alone decent jobs,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Ajaero commended the Federal Government for reintroducing gratuity payments, noting that workers deserve dignity after retirement.
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reassured organised labour of his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and enhancing service delivery nationwide.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President outlined key initiatives already approved. These include the Exit Benefit Scheme for retirees under the contributory pension system, the Employee Compensation Scheme for work-related risks, and an upward review of allowances such as duty tour allowances, estacode, and book allowances.
The government also announced a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme aimed at supporting workers, with officials noting that these interventions are designed to boost morale and strengthen the capacity of civil servants.
Civil servants, the government maintained, remain central to national development, playing vital roles in policy formulation, healthcare delivery, education, and infrastructure support across the country.
