Nigeria’s organised labour is demanding a sweeping review of public sector pay, calling for a minimum wage of N154,000; a 120% increase, to help workers cope with rising living costs.

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), representing federal employees across ministries and agencies, described the request as urgent in a letter to the Head of the Civil Service. The union highlighted decades of stagnant salaries, persistent inflation, and rising expenses for food, housing, transport, and healthcare.

“Public service workers continue to face severe economic hardship, with salaries falling far behind the cost of living,” the council said, warning that current pay scales undermine morale, productivity, and overall well-being.

The JNPSNC urged immediate talks with the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission to implement a revised wage structure. The council also called for harmonised pay across federal agencies, periodic cost-of-living adjustments, and non-monetary incentives such as subsidised transportation and affordable housing.

While praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving full gratuity payments for retiring public servants, the union stressed that swift action is essential to prevent industrial unrest and safeguard workforce stability.

The push underscores mounting pressure on policymakers as Nigeria navigates inflationary challenges, currency fluctuations, and a growing disconnect between wages and basic living costs.