Economic Hardship: Workers Struggle as TUC Says 70,000 Minimum Wage Insufficient
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The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has raised alarms over the escalating inflation in Nigeria, which has been exacerbated by the recent hike in the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol.
Tommy Etim, the National Vice President of the TUC, spoke to newsmen in Abuja, stating that the N70,000 minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu is no longer sufficient for federal civil servants to sustain themselves.
Following the announcement of the fuel price increase by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), Labour leaders expressed feelings of betrayal, especially after extensive negotiations led to the minimum wage increase from N30,000 to N70,000 earlier this year.
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This adjustment, finalized on July 29, was meant to alleviate the financial strain on workers but has since been undermined by rising living costs.
Etim emphasized, “Federal workers are finding it extremely hard to survive on the new minimum wage due to inflation and the recent fuel price hike.
The minimum wage was negotiated before these economic changes, highlighting the struggles that workers are facing.”
He also criticized comments from federal lawmakers, including former NLC president Adams Oshiomhole, regarding the disparities in wages across states. “Where was he when we were negotiating the national minimum wage? What happens to federal workers? Do they continue to languish in poverty?” he questioned.
Despite the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, many states have opted to pay higher wages. Currently, Lagos and Rivers states lead with N85,000, while several others, including Bayelsa and Niger, have set their minimum wages at N80,000.
With 13 states paying above the national minimum, the TUC continues to advocate for a reevaluation of wage structures to ensure that federal employees can meet their basic needs in the face of persistent economic challenges.
