Civil servants under the umbrella of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have called on the Federal Government and state governments to approve a 400 per cent increase in the current N70,000 national minimum wage, citing worsening economic hardship and the rising cost of living across the country.
The demand was part of resolutions reached at the conclusion of a two-day National Retreat and Expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the council held in Osogbo, Osun State.
In a communiqué signed by the council’s National Chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, and National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, labour leaders expressed concern over the declining purchasing power of workers, warning that many public servants are struggling to meet their basic needs amid persistent inflation and economic challenges.
According to the council, current economic conditions have placed severe pressure on workers and their families, making urgent government intervention necessary. The union urged authorities at all levels to introduce measures that would cushion the impact of hardship and improve workers’ welfare.
The JNPSNC argued that a substantial review of the minimum wage has become necessary to reflect prevailing economic realities and help public servants cope with increasing living expenses.
The demand comes amid growing calls from labour groups and workers for improved wages and welfare packages as inflation, transportation costs and food prices continue to affect household incomes nationwide.
Labour leaders maintain that improving workers’ earnings is essential not only for their welfare but also for sustaining productivity and ensuring a better standard of living for Nigerian families.
