Nigerian Civil Servants Get N70,000 Minimum Wage

By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for Nigerian civil servants.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following a pivotal meeting between the government and organized labor.

The meeting, held at the President’s office in Abuja, saw the attendance of key labor leaders, including Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC), and Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The labor representatives arrived at 2:15 PM on Thursday, and their discussions with the government marked a significant step in addressing labor issues in Nigeria.

President Tinubu’s approval of the N70,000 minimum wage represents a notable shift in the government’s approach to labor welfare.

He also committed to a periodic review of the national minimum wage law every three years to align it with economic realities and inflation rates. This measure aims to safeguard the purchasing power of Nigerian workers and establish a more sustainable wage system.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the private sector and sub-national governments in implementing the new wage structure, President Tinubu promised to explore various mechanisms to assist these sectors.

This approach seeks to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive implementation of the new wage across the country.

Labor leaders expressed their appreciation for President Tinubu’s proactive stance on workers’ welfare, highlighting the positive impact this decision will have on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerian workers and their families.

Additionally, President Tinubu addressed concerns regarding unpaid salaries in the university sector, assuring labor leaders of his commitment to resolving the issue. He pledged to use his discretionary powers to address the payment of four months of outstanding salaries to university staff.