NASU: Nigerian Workers Deserve Living Wage, Not Minimum Wage

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has emphasized that Nigerian workers are demanding wage increases that reflect the present economic situation. NASU President, Comrade Makolo Hassan, speaking at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of NASU, stated that the N70,000 national minimum wage is now an inadequate "slave wage" and that workers deserve a living wage to ensure dignity and survival.

He further highlighted that apart from a living wage, university workers are seeking affordable electricity with universal metering, end to estimated billing, fair tariff system, and intervention in the housing crisis through workers' housing schemes and protection against unreasonable rent increases. Hassan acknowledged that the N70,000 minimum wage was a hard-fought victory, but current economic realities have made it grossly insufficient.

With rising prices of essential commodities like fuel, food, transportation, housing, electricity, and healthcare, he argued that the minimum wage can no longer sustain workers and their families. He called for the Federal Government to initiate an urgent review of wages in line with the cost of living and to establish regular wage reviews and cost-of-living adjustments.

Hassan described the successful conclusion and signing of the Year 2026 FGN/NASU Agreements as a landmark achievement, commending the negotiating team's resilience. He criticized the government's statistics on inflation, stating that they do not reflect the reality in homes and markets. He emphasized the need for the government to provide urgent support for farmers, security for farming communities, storage and transport infrastructure, and investment in domestic food production.

To address the fuel subsidy removal, Hassan noted that every increase in fuel costs impacts fares and food prices. He demanded affordable electricity with universal metering, end to estimated billing, and a fair tariff system, as well as decisive intervention in the housing crisis. He also rejected increasing casualization of labor and exploitation of contract employment, demanding equal pay for equal value and regularization of casual workers.

Hassan reaffirmed collective bargaining and freedom of association as fundamental rights. He expressed concern over youth unemployment, calling for a national employment strategy anchored on apprenticeship and vocational education, and organizing of informal sector workers. He decried de-industrialization and demanded affordable developmental finance, citing the high cost of credit due to a Monetary Policy Rate of 26.5 per cent.

Hassan lamented mass poverty, citing World Bank estimates that 63 per cent of Nigerians lived below the poverty line in 2025, and called for a progressive tax system, scrutiny of borrowing and debt servicing, and accountability for increased revenues to states. He also raised healthcare and education crises, brain drain of professionals, demanding prompt payment of pensions and gratuities.

On insecurity, Hassan stressed the need for the protection of farmers and rural workers, urging labor to set the agenda for the 2027 elections around jobs, living wages, public services, and security. He urged workers to assess candidates based on these standards. Earlier, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, acknowledged the challenges economic reforms pose for workers and stated the government's commitment to cushioning their effects.

He pledged the Ministry's continued engagement with labor to enhance purchasing power and assured future discussions on legitimate demands through social dialogue and collective bargaining.