Nigerian civil servants demand 400% minimum wage hike amid hardship

Nigerian civil servants are demanding a substantial 400% increase to the current national minimum wage of N70,000, pushing for it to be raised to N280,000. This demand, put forth by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), aims to alleviate the severe economic hardship faced by workers and their families due to the rising cost of living.

The JNPSNC, in a communiqué following a national retreat, expressed deep concern over the declining purchasing power of Nigerian workers. They urged both federal and state governments to implement intervention measures and urgently consider the proposed wage hike. The council also called for the commencement of discussions on a new national minimum wage by July 2026, anticipating the statutory review due in early 2027 to prevent potential delays and disputes.

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The federal and state governments should implement intervention measures to mitigate the current undeserved hardship. Consequently, governments at all levels should urgently consider the approval and implementation of 400 per cent of the current N70,000 national minimum wage to address the prevailing economic challenges confronting workers and their families.

Furthermore, the union voiced dissatisfaction with the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage by several state governments, particularly regarding consequential salary adjustments. The JNPSNC warned of "appropriate hard steps" against any state refusing to comply. They also highlighted concerns over the general failure of governments to implement agreements reached through collective bargaining, citing this as a significant source of mistrust between employers and employees. Additionally, the council demanded the immediate implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance and occupational hazard allowances for certain professionals.

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appropriate hard steps