NLC Lagos Criticizes Unsustainable ₦70,000 Minimum Wage for Civil Servants

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos Council, has voiced strong concerns over the sustainability of the newly revised national minimum wage set at ₦70,000 for civil servants.

Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the state council, squarely blamed the Governors’ Forum for the modest increase, alleging their insistence on a ₦50,000 wage during negotiations. She appealed directly to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to prioritize the welfare of Lagos state workers when implementing the revised minimum wage.

President Bola Tinubu reportedly endorsed the ₦70,000 wage following discussions with organized labour leaders in Abuja. Reacting to the announcement, Sessi expressed a mixed reaction, stating, “I would like to express mixed feelings regarding the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government. We firmly believe President Bola Tinubu could have achieved better than the approved amount.”

She added, “Despite our disappointment, we acknowledge progress from the initial government proposal of ₦62,000, which was raised due to pressure from governors and private employers alike. We hope that with the ₦70,000 minimum wage, we can meet the increasing cost of living.”

Sessi concluded by urging government agencies to monitor market dynamics closely, cautioning against price hikes from service and goods providers who have already adjusted prices since last year.