NBA urges government to pay Nigerian Workers Living Wage, says it’s legal entitlement 

He made this call in a statement on Thursday titled “Workers Deserve Protection, Fairness, and a Living Wage”, as Nigeria celebrates Workers’ Day today.

Osigwe stated that the global commemoration of Workers’ Day highlights the resilience, hard work, and sacrifices of Nigerian workers who, according to him, remain the unsung heroes of national development and nation-building.

Osigwe urged governments at all levels to take urgent steps to fully implement the National Minimum Wage Act.

“A living wage is not a privilege; it is a constitutional and legal entitlement of workers. It is, in fact, a critical component of human dignity and social justice,” he added.

“Beyond celebration, today presents an opportunity for sober reflection. Far too many Nigerian workers still face harsh economic realities, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity, and wages that fall far short of the rising cost of living. 

“It is therefore not enough to offer praise without concrete action. They deserve a living wage and much more,” he said.

“A just society must be one in which the contributions of its workers are met with fairness, protection, and opportunity,” he stated.

In a statement on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Nigerian workers, describing the workforce as the engine of Nigeria’s economy and the key to national growth.

“Here’s to everyone—young and old, entrepreneur or employee, private or public sector—whose meaningful contributions help in no small way to develop our homes, communities, and our dear nation,” he stated.

In 2023, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) proposed a wage award to the Federal Government to help cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, focusing on supporting lower-grade federal workers.

According to him, a living wage is one that at least allows workers to survive the month without borrowing or suffering from malnutrition.

In 2024, following further negotiations with labor unions, the Federal Government approved an increase in the national minimum wage to N70,000 as part of broader efforts to address rising living costs.

The recent announcement of the imminent resumption of outstanding wage award payments is expected to fulfill the Federal Government’s earlier promises.