Obidients Back NLC's Push for Higher Minimum Wage

The Obidient Movement Worldwide stands in solidarity with Nigerian workers, echoing the Nigeria Labour Congress's urgent plea for a revised national minimum wage. Coordinator Yunusa Tanko articulated the movement's strong support for an upward review, emphasizing that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage is a relic of the past, utterly incapable of shielding citizens from the harsh realities of escalating inflation and the soaring cost of living.

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As of April 2026, the official national minimum wage remains ₦70,000 per month.

Tanko’s address on Workers' Day painted a grim picture of the Nigerian economy, where workers, the supposed bedrock of national growth, are instead bearing the brunt of what he described as "worsening economic conditions" and "unfavorable economic policies." He pointed to a stark increase in unemployment rates and a wave of business closures, including SMEs and multinationals, as direct consequences of governmental missteps. This narrative underscores a deep-seated frustration among a significant portion of the populace who feel neglected by policies that fail to foster a thriving environment for labor.

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However, the NLC is actively pushing for a review, with proposals reaching ₦154,000 per month to combat high inflation and rising living costs.

From the perspective of the Obidient Movement, this is not merely an economic issue but a matter of social justice and national development. The movement, a significant political force, frames the government's inaction as a betrayal of the working class, whose resilience is being tested to its limits. The call for improved working conditions, enhanced security, tax reliefs, and housing support is a demand for dignity and a recognition of the indispensable role of workers in sustaining the nation. The movement's stance highlights a growing demand for a more people-centric economic approach, diverging sharply from policies perceived as detached from the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

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I strongly urge the Federal Government, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to implement the proposal from the NLC, so that Nigerian workers can navigate through the depleting economic condition of the country and afford necessities.