By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Amid Hardship in Nigeria, Labour Demands N154,000 Minimum Pay for Public Workers
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council has called for a significant increase in workers’ pay, proposing a new minimum salary of N154,000 for public servants across Nigeria.
In a formal letter dated March 12, 2026, and addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the council urged the government to urgently review salaries and allowances, citing worsening economic conditions. The correspondence followed a meeting of the council’s leadership held earlier in March in Abuja.
Signed by National Chairman Benjamin Anthony and National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga, the council’s proposal includes a 120 per cent increase in wages and allowances. It argued that current earnings no longer reflect the realities faced by workers, many of whom are struggling with rising living costs.
The labour body attributed the situation to persistent inflation, higher fuel prices, increased transportation expenses, and the soaring cost of essentials such as food, housing, healthcare, and education.
According to the council, these pressures have significantly reduced the purchasing power of public servants and made it difficult for them to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
It noted that previous salary adjustments have failed to keep pace with economic changes, leading to declining morale and productivity within the public service. The council stressed that an immediate and comprehensive review of wages is necessary to ensure fairness and sustainability.
As part of its recommendations, the council proposed that the new salary structure should set N154,000 as the minimum monthly pay for entry-level federal workers. It also called for uniform implementation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at state levels to promote equity.
In addition, the council advocated periodic cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation to prevent future wage erosion. It also recommended non-cash support measures, including subsidised transportation and affordable housing, to ease the burden on workers.
While pressing its demands, the council acknowledged the efforts of Bola Tinubu for approving full gratuity payments to retiring federal workers, describing the move as a step towards improving post-service welfare.
The council, however, maintained that urgent action is needed to address the broader challenges facing serving workers. It warned that failure to respond promptly could lead to growing discontent, even as it reiterated its willingness to engage the government in dialogue to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
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