Nigeria Labour Unions Secure Historic Minimum Wage Increase

Nigeria's main labour unions and the government have agreed on a new minimum wage of 70,000 naira ($44) a month, more than doubling the current wage of 30,000 naira. This comes amidst the worst cost of living crisis, driven by soaring prices and a weakening currency.

Nigeria's main labour unions have secured an agreement with the government to raise the minimum wage to 70,000 naira ($44) a month, Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced on Thursday.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have been advocating for a wage increase due to escalating living costs and a depreciating currency. The newly agreed wage is more than double the previous minimum of 30,000 naira a month.

The government had initially proposed a 62,000 naira raise, but unions demanded 250,000 naira, also calling for a rollback on gasoline and electricity price hikes. The new agreement includes provisions for reviewing the minimum wage within three years, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)