Hardship: Labour demands ₦154,000 minimum wage, 120% salary increase

The Organised Labour, under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), has demanded a ₦154,000 minimum wage and a 120 per cent increase in salaries and allowances for public sector workers.

 

The union said the demand is necessary to address the worsening economic hardship faced by workers across the country.

 

The position was contained in a letter dated March 12, 2026, and addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

 

The letter, jointly signed by the National Chairman, Benjamin Anthony, and National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, called for an urgent review of workers’ remuneration.

 

According to the council, the demand followed deliberations at its meeting held on March 9, 2026, in Abuja.

 

The union said public servants are currently grappling with a “life of servitude” due to rising living costs and declining purchasing power.

 

“Public service workers continue to face severe economic hardship due to the rising cost of living and the declining purchasing power of their earnings,” the letter stated.

 

It noted that persistent inflation, increased fuel prices, high transportation costs, and rising expenses for food, housing, healthcare and education have significantly eroded workers’ incomes.

 

The council warned that the situation has negatively affected morale, productivity and overall efficiency within the public service.

 

It therefore called for an immediate and comprehensive review of salaries and allowances to reflect current economic realities.

 

As part of its proposal, the union said the minimum salary for an officer on Grade Level 01 Step 1 should be raised to ₦154,000 per month.

 

The council also urged the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission and other relevant bodies to begin immediate negotiations with labour representatives.

 

It stressed that improving workers’ welfare is not only an economic necessity but also critical for industrial harmony and effective public service delivery.

 

The union, however, reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the government to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.