Nigerian unions ask private sector to raise wages as civil servants receive paychecks under new wage structure

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) - Two major unions in Nigeria asked the private sector on Friday to implement a salary structure for more than 1.2 million federal government employees who received a new minimum wage of 70,000 naira ($42) per month.

The new minimum wage was implemented Thursday and Friday, but some workers believe the increase is insufficient to offset the economic challenges they face after President Bola Tinubu signed the new structure into law at the end of July.

Nigeria Labour Congress leader Joe Ajaero said the N70,000 offer was accepted because of the provision that the minimum wage would be reviewed every three years.

Nigeria is currently facing its most severe economic crisis in decades, resulting in the loss of its status as Africa's largest economy. Inflation and an unstable exchange rate have contributed to a significant increase in the cost of living for the country's 200 million people.

Following the implementation of the new payment system, the Nigeria Labour Congress urged organizations and other entities to quickly implement the new wage structure.

Benson Upah, a spokesman for the Nigeria Labour Congress and Tommy Etim, deputy president of the Trade Union Congress, urged private businesses to raise wages.

"We encourage other private entities to follow this lead," Upah told Anadolu.

"The federal government's committee on consequential adjustments has already provided a template, so there is no valid reason for private firms to delay the implementation of the minimum wage,” said Etim. “We strongly recommend that all relevant parties follow this and begin payment accordingly."

But civil servant Josephine Isiah expressed dissatisfaction with the consequential adjustment, citing the insufficient increase in light of the economic challenges caused by the government’s economic policies.

Import prices have risen, resulting in local price increases and a shortage of essential medications, she told Anadolu.