Labour demands N154,000 minimum wage amid rising hardship

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council has called for a new minimum wage of N154,000 for public servants, alongside a 120 per cent increase in salaries and allowances, citing worsening economic hardship across the country.

The demand was outlined in a letter addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, following a meeting of the council held in Abuja. The union said the proposal is aimed at addressing what it described as a “life of servitude” faced by many workers.

According to the council, rising inflation, high fuel prices, and increased costs of transportation, food, housing, healthcare, and education have significantly eroded the purchasing power of public servants. It noted that previous salary adjustments have failed to keep pace with current economic realities.

The union warned that many workers are now struggling to meet basic needs, a situation it said has affected morale, productivity, and overall efficiency within the public service.

As part of its proposals, the council urged the government to immediately begin negotiations through relevant bodies, including the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to review the current pay structure.

It also recommended the introduction of cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation, harmonisation of wages across ministries, departments, and agencies, and the provision of welfare support such as subsidised transportation and affordable housing.

The council stressed that a timely review of wages is not only an economic necessity but also critical to maintaining industrial harmony and preventing potential unrest.

While pushing for reforms, the union commended Bola Tinubu for approving full gratuity payments to retiring federal workers, describing the move as a positive step towards improving post-service welfare.

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