Workers in Ondo State have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to increase the state minimum wage from the current N73,000 to N256,950. The demand comes amid rising inflation, high cost of living, and the removal of fuel subsidy, which has worsened the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
In a letter submitted to the governor and signed by the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ondo State chapter, Comrade Ademola Olapade, and the state secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, the workers described the current wage as “unrealistic and insufficient” for survival in today’s economy.
The NLC, alongside its affiliate unions, urged the government to urgently set up a negotiation committee to begin discussions on the new wage proposal. They stressed that workers and pensioners in the state are struggling to meet basic needs such as food, transport, housing, and healthcare.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, continuous inflation, and the sharp rise in living costs have made the current N73,000 wage outdated. It no longer reflects the true cost of living,” the NLC said in the letter.
The union pointed out that Ondo is an oil-producing state and therefore has the resources to support better wages. They cited Imo State, which has already increased its minimum wage to N104,000 despite not being an oil-producing state.
“It is only just and reasonable that Ondo State, which is blessed with oil wealth and other natural resources, does not lag behind. Instead, it should lead by setting progressive standards,” the letter stated.
The workers also demanded an upward review of pension for retirees, saying pensioners deserve to live in dignity after serving the state faithfully for many years.
“Pensioners are not second-class citizens. They are people who served the state with commitment and deserve to live their remaining years without suffering,” the union said.
According to the NLC, the proposed N256,950 is not just a random figure, but one based on current economic realities. It reflects what an average worker needs to survive monthly, taking into account the cost of transportation, food, rent, school fees, and healthcare.
The letter emphasized that governance should not only focus on building infrastructure and running projects, but also on the well-being of the people who work to keep the government functioning.
“Workers are the engine of governance. Paying them fairly is not a favour; it is a responsibility. A government that pays its workers and pensioners a just wage is one that respects the social contract it has with its citizens,” the statement added.
The demand from Ondo workers follows similar calls across the country for a new national minimum wage. Labour unions have argued that the current national wage of N30,000 is no longer enough due to skyrocketing inflation and economic hardship since the removal of fuel subsidy in mid-2023.
Several states, including Imo and Edo, have already reviewed their wage structures, while negotiations continue between labour leaders and the federal government for a new national minimum wage.
In June 2024, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared nationwide strikes, pushing for a wage increase to reflect the present cost of living. Although those strikes were later suspended for dialogue, the pressure remains on state governments to act.
Labour leaders in Ondo say they are open to dialogue but expect a prompt response from the governor. “The next step is for the government to form a negotiation team. We are ready to sit at the table and agree on what is fair and realistic for workers and pensioners in the state,” a union official said.
