By Our Correspondent
National News – The Obidient Movement Worldwide has declared support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demand for an upward review of the national minimum wage, urging the Federal Government to act swiftly to reduce hardship caused by inflation across Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, May 1, 2026, the National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, said Nigerian workers remain the backbone of the economy but are struggling under rising living costs.
He noted that the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, approved under the 2024 Act, has been overtaken by inflation, while the NLC is pushing for ₦154,000 as a living wage.
He added that labour force data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows about 116.6 million Nigerians are in the working-age bracket, representing 53.8 per cent of the population, with women accounting for 52 per cent and men 48 per cent.
He also warned that unemployment has risen by over 5.3 per cent in recent years, worsening household poverty and job losses.
Tanko attributed the worsening situation to economic policies that have increased business closures, affecting small and medium-scale enterprises, agribusinesses, and even multinational companies operating in Nigeria.
He further highlighted that Nigeria’s debt profile exceeding N150 trillion and rising debt servicing obligations in the 2026 budget pose risks to economic stability.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, is also referenced as insisting that workers require a living wage that reflects real purchasing power, stressing that inflation has significantly eroded earnings despite nominal salary levels.
The labour leader warned that without urgent reforms, wages will continue to lose value.
The Obidient Movement also called on the Federal Government to prioritise workers’ welfare through improved working conditions, tax reliefs, affordable housing schemes, health insurance, and stronger social protection systems.
It argued that supporting workers is essential to sustaining productivity and national growth, especially at a time of economic pressure.
The group maintained optimism that policy adjustments could stabilise the economy and improve living standards for millions of Nigerians.
