Government workers in Ondo State, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions, have demanded an immediate increase in the minimum wage from N73,000 to N256,950.
The demand is driven by the current economic situation, including inflation and rising costs of essential goods and services.
This was contained in a letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa through the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions.
The workers said the demand became imperative following the economic situation of the country.
While stressing that the current wage was no longer realistic, the workers maintained that with the removal of fuel subsidy, inflation and skyrocketing costs of food, transportation, housing and healthcare, there was urgent need for the review.
The workers argue that the current minimum wage is no longer realistic due to the removal of fuel subsidies, inflation, and skyrocketing costs of food, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
In the letter signed by the NLC Chairman in the state, Ademola Olapade, and the state secretary, Akin Sunday, the workers urged the governor to urgently constitute a negotiation committee.
According to them, the state has the capacity to meet the demand, in view of the N104,000 minimum wage approved by the Imo State Government.
The workers, in their letter, stated, “Your Excellency, Ondo State is not just any state, it is a critical contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue.
”As such, it is unacceptable that its workers and pensioners continue to live under wages that do not reflect the state’s strategic and financial status.
“Workers are the engine of governance and economic productivity and pensioners are citizens who had served with loyalty during their better years and deserve to live the remainder of their lives with dignity.
“In light of the above, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ondo State Council and its affiliate unions are formally demanding the immediate upward review of the minimum wage for Ondo State workers to the sum of ₦256,950.”
“This figure will form a realistic reflection of the current economic indices and the prevailing cost of survival for an average.
“Governance must not only be about policies and projects but also about people’s welfare and ability to live dignified lives. A government that pays its workers and pensioners a just wage is a government that honours the social contract it holds with its people.” they added.
The NLC believed Ondo State has the capacity to meet this demand, citing the example of Imo State, which recently approved a N104,000 minimum wage for its workers.
The workers have urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to constitute a negotiation committee to deliberate on the proposed wage structure.
The NLC emphasised that Ondo State, as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue, should prioritize its workers’ welfare.
They stated, “workers are the engine of governance and economic productivity, and pensioners are citizens who had served with loyalty during their better years and deserve to live the remainder of their lives with dignity.”
The proposed figure of N256,950 is intended to reflect the current economic indices and cost of living.
