The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that a proposed minimum wage of N100,000 is grossly inadequate to meet the current economic realities facing Nigerian workers, insisting that employees deserve as much as N1 million monthly to cope with the rising cost of living.

Speaking amid ongoing debates over workers’ welfare and wage adjustments, labour leaders argued that inflation, soaring food prices, transportation costs, housing expenses, and the continuous depreciation of the naira have significantly eroded the purchasing power of workers across the country.

According to the NLC, the current economic situation has made it increasingly difficult for workers to provide for their families, pay school fees, access quality healthcare, and meet other basic needs. The union maintained that any wage structure that fails to reflect prevailing economic conditions would only worsen the hardship being experienced by millions of Nigerians.

Labour representatives noted that while some state governors have suggested a minimum wage of N100,000, such an amount can no longer guarantee a decent standard of living for workers. They stressed that the figure falls far below what is required to sustain an average Nigerian household under current market conditions.

The NLC reiterated its long-standing position that workers should receive wages that reflect the true cost of living and ensure dignity in labour. The union emphasized that discussions on wage reviews should focus on improving workers’ welfare rather than merely meeting minimum legal requirements.

The labour body also urged the Federal Government, state governments, and employers in both the public and private sectors to prioritize policies that protect workers from the impact of inflation and economic hardship.

The call comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising prices of food items, transportation, electricity, and other essential services, fueling renewed demands for improved wages and better working conditions across the country.

The NLC maintained that ensuring fair compensation for workers remains critical to boosting productivity, economic growth, and social stability, adding that Nigerian workers deserve wages that adequately reflect their contributions to national development.