Workers day: Nigerian workers label new minimum wage a scam

DDM News

As Nigeria marked this year’s Workers’ Day on May 1, the conversation was dominated by widespread complaints about the inadequacy of the current national minimum wage.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that despite the recent adjustment of the minimum wage to N70,000, civil servants across different states have voiced deep dissatisfaction.

They argue that the new wage fails to meet basic living standards amid Nigeria’s spiraling inflation and economic instability.

The minimum wage was officially reviewed in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The decision was aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian workers and cushioning the effects of subsidy removal and high inflation.

Since then, various state governments have adjusted their wage structures, with some even paying slightly above the N70,000 benchmark.

However, the reality on the ground reveals that many workers are still grappling with financial hardship.

In Kano State, for example, the government implemented a minimum wage of N71,000.

Despite this, many civil servants in the state report that the amount barely covers their monthly expenses.

Sulaiman Aminu Yakasai, a Kano-based civil servant, disclosed that he engages in petty trading after office hours to supplement his income.

He emphasized that even with the new wage, sustaining his family without a side hustle is impossible.

Similarly, Salihu Umar, a teacher in Kano, stated that he maintained his shop at Kantin Kwari garment market after becoming a public servant.

He explained that the shop serves as a lifeline, since his salary alone cannot support him through the month.

Women are not spared from the burden either.

Binta Abdullahi, a health worker, shared that she sells wares to colleagues and recovers payment at month-end.

She lamented that transportation costs alone consume more than half of her monthly income.

She further remarked that inflation has eroded the value of their pay, leaving workers in perpetual debt.

Binta described the current state of the economy as one that makes it nearly impossible to survive on salary alone.

In Kaduna State, workers expressed anger over what they described as unjust treatment by the government.

A teacher, identified simply as Abdul, said the minimum wage is not fully implemented in the state.

He emphasized that local government workers are the worst affected, with some still receiving less than the approved amount.

He described the treatment of workers as inhumane and declared that Workers’ Day holds no real meaning for him.

Abdul stressed that without full implementation, the wage policy serves no practical benefit to workers.

Usmaniya, another civil servant in Kaduna, pointed out that only junior staff saw meaningful increases in their wages.

He said he received only a N4,000 raise, questioning the value of pursuing higher education in such a system.

He added that promotions have not translated into actual salary adjustments for many employees.

Zainabu, a healthcare worker, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency.

She claimed she had not received her pay slip for a long time and had no idea what allowances she was entitled to.

She also lamented the non-payment of hazard and rural allowances, adding that morale among workers is extremely low.

In Borno State, Mustapha Modu said the N70,000 minimum wage cannot sustain a family.

He questioned how a worker could afford rent, school fees, and food with such a salary.

He concluded that the situation represents a failure of governance, accusing leaders of neglecting the welfare of citizens.

Rabilu Muhammad, another civil servant in Borno, said the wage increase was only a smokescreen.

He claimed that the government withdrew all forms of subsidy while offering a meager pay raise.

According to him, new electricity tariffs and data charges consume more than half of his salary.

In Kwara State, a civil servant referred to the situation as being “between the devil and the deep blue sea.”

He said the initial excitement over the new wage has quickly turned to disappointment.

He noted that the cost of essential goods has skyrocketed, making it impossible to survive on the new salary.

Mr. Ola, another worker in Kwara, said that housing, food, healthcare, and education are all beyond his financial capacity.

He urged the government to introduce price controls on basic commodities and expand public services like transport and healthcare.

He also recommended periodic wage reviews to align with economic realities.

A female teacher in the state, who requested anonymity, criticized the government for failing to fulfill promises of a “living wage.”

She said the wage is now too little to cover even transportation and feeding.

She described the condition of civil servants as pitiable, with Workers’ Day being marked by hunger rather than celebration.

In Ondo State, civil servants also called for economic stability.

They complained that high inflation had neutralized any benefits from the wage increase.

They argued that until the economy is stabilized, wage increments would remain symbolic.

Bayelsa workers echoed similar grievances.

A civil servant revealed that even N80,000 was not enough to cover transportation costs alone.

He said that feeding a family of five on such income is nearly impossible.

Tareibi, a level 8 officer in Bayelsa, said his N100,000 salary does not cover basic needs like transportation, food, and bills.

Another worker, Ebilade, said the wage was inadequate even for feeding, let alone paying school fees.

Mrs. Ebiere Marlin, a civil servant, said her husband enrolled her in tailoring so she could earn extra income.

She said that salary alone was no longer sustainable.

In Plateau State, the N70,000 wage has been implemented for state and local government workers.

However, retirees in the state have not yet benefited from the new wage structure.

Comrade Gunshin Yarlings, a former NLC chairman, said harmonization of pensions with current wages has yet to happen.

He stated that pensioners are still awaiting government action based on available resources.

On a national level, political leaders issued Workers’ Day messages of encouragement.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Nigerian workers as the engine of national development.

He commended their resilience and sacrifice in the face of economic hardship.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio promised more labour-friendly legislation.

He acknowledged the diligence and patriotism of Nigerian workers.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) called for the celebration of workers.

The party expressed solidarity with Nigerian workers for their endurance and contribution to the nation’s growth.

While political leaders offer words of support, workers across Nigeria remain unconvinced.

Their lived realities reveal a widening gap between government promises and practical conditions.

Many civil servants continue to struggle with inflation, poor implementation, and lack of structural support.

As the country reflects on Workers’ Day, the demand for a living wage becomes more urgent than ever.

For many, true celebration will only come when salaries can support dignified living.

Until then, Nigerian workers remain trapped in a cycle of hardship, survival, and unfulfilled promises.

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