Tinubu administration signals early reassessment as inflation pressures mount, pledges collaboration with labour unions for fair wage adjustment

The Federal Government has announced plans to review the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, citing escalating living costs and evolving economic realities across the country.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed that the Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring that workers’ earnings remain responsive to inflation and broader economic changes. He emphasized that the current wage structure, which was signed into law in 2024, was intentionally designed to allow for more frequent reviews.

According to Gbajabiamila, the revised framework shortens the review cycle from five years to three, enabling the government to respond more swiftly to economic pressures affecting Nigerian workers. The move reflects growing concerns over inflation and the diminishing purchasing power of citizens.

He further assured that the review process will be inclusive, with organised labour playing a central role in negotiations. The government, he said, aims to reach a balanced and equitable outcome that supports workers while considering the country’s fiscal realities.

The planned review comes amid persistent economic challenges, including rising food prices, currency fluctuations, and increased cost of basic services, all of which have intensified calls for wage adjustments nationwide.

It was noted that the outcome of the review will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for workers’ welfare, business sustainability, and the broader economy.