Workers in Ondo State have demanded an upward review of the current ₦73,000 minimum wage to ₦256,950, citing worsening economic realities.
The demand was contained in a letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa through the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions. The workers argued that with the removal of fuel subsidy, inflation, and the surging costs of food, transportation, housing, and healthcare, the existing wage is no longer sustainable.
The letter, signed by the NLC state chairman, Comrade Ademola Olapade, and the state secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, called on the governor to urgently set up a negotiation committee to review salaries and pensions in the state.
The workers noted that Ondo, being an oil-producing state, has the capacity to meet the proposed wage, pointing out that Imo State, despite not being oil-producing, has already commenced payment of ₦104,000 as minimum wage to its workers and pensioners.
“It is only just and reasonable that Ondo State, which is blessed with oil wealth and resource potential, does not lag behind but instead leads in setting progressive standards for others to emulate,” the letter read in part.
They further stressed that workers remain the “engine of governance and economic productivity” while pensioners deserve to live with dignity after years of loyal service.