Federal civil servants under the auspices of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have demanded an immediate increase in the national minimum wage from the current N30,000 to N300,000, along with the payment of all outstanding arrears. The demand comes amid soaring inflation and a rising cost of living that has severely eroded the purchasing power of workers.
Labour Leaders Present Demand to Government
The JNPSNC, which represents over 1.5 million federal workers, presented its demand to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, during a meeting in Abuja. The union's Secretary General, Comrade Alade Lawal, stated that the current minimum wage is no longer sustainable, noting that a single bag of rice now costs over N40,000, making it impossible for workers to feed their families.
“We are demanding a minimum wage of N300,000 because the current N30,000 cannot take any worker home. The cost of transportation, rent, school fees, and medical bills have all gone up astronomically. We also demand the immediate payment of all outstanding arrears dating back to 2019,” Lawal said.
Government Acknowledges Concerns
Minister Ngige acknowledged the workers' concerns and assured them that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to improving the welfare of civil servants. He stated that the government would review the demand and engage in further negotiations with the union. Ngige also urged workers to remain patient and avoid any industrial action that could disrupt the economy.
“We understand the challenges facing workers, and we are not insensitive to their plight. The government will look into the demand and come up with a position that is fair and sustainable for both parties,” Ngige said.
Economic Context and Previous Negotiations
The demand for a N300,000 minimum wage comes against the backdrop of Nigeria's worst economic crisis in decades. Inflation hit 18.6% in June 2026, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, while the naira has lost over 60% of its value against the US dollar since 2023. The last minimum wage increase was in 2019, when the government raised it from N18,000 to N30,000 after months of negotiations.
Labour unions have repeatedly called for a review of the wage, citing the failure of the government to implement the 2019 agreement fully. The JNPSNC claims that the government still owes workers arrears from the last wage increase, amounting to billions of naira.
Impact on Workers and Economy
If the demand is met, the new minimum wage would represent a 900% increase from the current level, placing a significant burden on the federal budget. The government currently spends over N4 trillion annually on civil service salaries and allowances. A N300,000 minimum wage would push the wage bill to an estimated N15 trillion, potentially crowding out spending on infrastructure and social services.
However, labour leaders argue that the increase is necessary to stimulate demand and revive the economy. They point out that workers with higher incomes would spend more, boosting local businesses and creating jobs.
Next Steps and Potential Strike Action
The JNPSNC has given the government a 21-day ultimatum to respond to its demand, failing which it will embark on a nationwide strike. The union has called on all its members to prepare for industrial action if no meaningful progress is made.
“We are not going to back down. The government must show good faith by paying all arrears and commencing negotiations for a new minimum wage. If they fail to do so, we will have no choice but to shut down the country,” Lawal warned.
The government has not yet set a date for the next round of negotiations, but sources within the Ministry of Labour indicate that a technical committee may be set up to study the demand and propose a framework for implementation.
