The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called on all tiers of government in Nigeria to uphold the constitutional right of workers to earn a living wage, stressing that fair compensation is not a privilege but a legal entitlement.
In a statement titled “Workers Deserve Protection, Fairness, and a Living Wage”, released on Thursday to mark Workers’ Day, Osigwe praised Nigerian workers for their relentless service and sacrifice, describing them as the “unsung heroes of national development and nation-building.”
He urged governments at the federal, state, and local levels to urgently ensure full implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, condemning the continued reality where many workers are left to survive on poverty-level salaries.
“A living wage is not a privilege; it is a constitutional and legal entitlement of workers. It is, in fact, a critical component of human dignity and social justice,” Osigwe stated.
He noted that while Workers’ Day is a time for celebration, it should also be a moment of serious reflection, considering the difficult economic and workplace conditions many Nigerians still face. These include inadequate pay, job insecurity, and poor safety standards.
“Beyond celebration, today presents an opportunity for sober reflection. Far too many Nigerian workers still face harsh economic realities, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity, and wages that fall far short of the rising cost of living.
“It is therefore not enough to offer praise without concrete action. They deserve a living wage and much more,” he added.
The NBA also called on employers in both public and private sectors to promote equitable labour practices, eliminate workplace exploitation, and foster environments where employees can thrive without fear or intimidation. Osigwe reaffirmed the commitment of the legal profession to advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring the enforcement of laws that guarantee fair and humane working conditions.
“A just society must be one in which the contributions of its workers are met with fairness, protection, and opportunity,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, in his own Workers’ Day message, congratulated Nigerian workers and hailed them as the driving force behind the country’s economy and development.
“Here’s to everyone—young and old, entrepreneur or employee, private or public sector—whose meaningful contributions help in no small way to develop our homes, communities, and our dear nation,” the president stated.
He assured that the welfare of Nigerian workers remains a top priority for his administration, emphasising that their contributions are essential in the nation’s journey toward progress.
Contextual Background:
In 2023, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recommended a wage award to the Federal Government as a measure to ease the burden caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. This led to the government introducing a N35,000 monthly wage award for lower-grade workers in September 2023, although payments were made inconsistently into early 2024.
On May 1, 2024, NLC President Joe Ajaero criticised the government’s recently announced 35% salary increase for civil servants, branding it “mischievous” and insisting on a minimum wage of no less than N615,000. He maintained that a true living wage must allow workers to survive a full month without resorting to loans or facing hunger.
Later that year, following renewed negotiations, the Federal Government approved an increase in the national minimum wage to N70,000 as part of broader efforts to address the country’s rising cost of living. The planned resumption of outstanding wage award payments is now anticipated as a step toward fulfilling earlier government promises to the workforce.