{
  "id": 19585880,
  "title": "THE WORSENING PLIGHT OF WORKERS",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/the-worsening-plight-of-workers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T01:10:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/11/12/the-worsening-plight-of-workers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The worsening plight of Nigerian workers has been exacerbated by soaring inflation and the rising cost of living, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. In an effort to alleviate the burden, the federal government recently approved a monthly transport allowance of N70,000 for workers across all levels for six months, commencing this month. This move aimed to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, which has forced workers to spend significant portions of their income on commuting.\n\nHowever, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), a key advocate for workers' welfare, has vehemently rejected the allowance, arguing that workers require a substantial wage increase rather than \"haphazard measures.\" This stance has led to a heated disagreement between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC, culminating in personal attacks between their respective leaders. Despite the discord, some veteran labour leaders have urged both parties to avoid actions that could weaken organised labour, emphasizing the importance of unity for the crucial battles ahead.\n\nThe current minimum wage of N70,000 has been widely criticized as inadequate, with NASU President Comrade Makolo Hassan stating that it has become a \"slave wage\" that cannot sustain workers and their families. The economic realities, including skyrocketing pump prices, food, transportation, housing, electricity, and healthcare costs, have rendered the minimum wage grossly insufficient. Hassan further highlighted that the cost of goods and services is largely determined by fuel, which is essential for transportation infrastructure that is often unreliable in Nigeria.\n\nThe worsening economic conditions were further compounded by the prolonged crisis in the Middle East, which has driven up fuel costs and added to the suffering of households. In addition to the high cost of living, workers are facing increased electricity tariffs and the challenges posed by recent tax measures. The government's alternative fuel solution, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), has yet to overcome operational and infrastructure hurdles, with only a limited number of refuelling stations available across the country.\n\nIn response to the mounting pressure, workers have intensified their agitation for a new minimum wage. However, the federal government remains steadfast in its stance, citing the upcoming review of the National Minimum Wage Act in June 2027. The Labour Minister, Muhammad Dingyadi, argued that the current wage is due for review and that the Act mandates a three-year review cycle. The government's palliative measures, including the N50,000 monthly grants for vulnerable households, have been welcomed by some, but the overall economic situation remains dire, with poverty continuing to be a pressing concern.",
  "summary": "Government must do more to contain the cost of living crisis Amid crushing hardship fuelled by galloping inflation and rising cost of living, many Nigerians spend significant portions of their",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}