Economy

Nigerian Labour Congress Demands N154,000 Minimum Wage over rising hardship

Published

7 months ago

March 18, 2026

Nigerian Labour Congress demands N154,000 minimum wage to address inflation, rising costs, and declining worker purchasing power

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has formally called for a new minimum wage of N154,000, citing worsening economic hardship and declining purchasing power among Nigerian workers.

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The demand was detailed in a letter issued by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), an arm of the NLC, and signed by Benjamin Anthony and Olowoyo Gbenga.

The council described the increase as an “urgent necessity for an upward review of salaries and allowances” within the public service.

According to the council, the current wage structure fails to reflect contemporary economic realities, as inflation, rising food prices, and increased transport costs continue to strain household budgets.

The proposed N154,000 minimum wage aims to restore a decent standard of living for workers, the letter explained, and urged the Federal Government to commence immediate negotiations to implement the increase.

The call comes amid mounting concerns over the cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria, with many families struggling to afford basic necessities.

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Labour leaders emphasised that the adjustment is critical for sustaining worker welfare and economic stability.

Related Topics:cost of living featured inflation Nigeria minimum wage Nigerian Labour Congress worker welfare

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Economy

NRS Assures Taxpayers VAT Remains at 7.5% Amid Tax Reform Concerns

Published

22 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

NRS VAT rate remains 7.5%, the agency says, while addressing concerns over bank deductions, loans and the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has assured taxpayers that Nigeria’s standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remains 7.5 per cent, while addressing concerns over the implementation of the country’s new tax reforms.

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The assurance was given by the Tax Administrator responsible for Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, Samaila Abdullahi, during an NRS stakeholders’ engagement and tax reform sensitisation programme in Kano.

Abdullahi said concerns raised by individuals, traders, business owners and other stakeholders about the new tax laws were understandable, particularly questions relating to bank transactions, loans, family transfers, business income and the potential impact on small businesses.

He urged taxpayers to understand the reforms through the provisions of the law rather than rely on assumptions or misinformation.

According to him, the tax laws do not automatically authorise deductions from personal bank accounts.

He stressed that tax collection and recovery must follow the applicable legal provisions and procedures.

Abdullahi also clarified that money received as a loan should not automatically be classified as business income or profit, explaining that proper documentation is essential to establish the nature of a transaction.

“For instance, when a trader receives a loan of N500,000, the amount should not automatically be treated as N500,000 in sales or profit, provided the transaction is properly documented,” he said.

The NRS official’s comments were aimed at addressing public concerns about how the new tax framework would affect personal finances and business transactions.

He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between taxable business receipts and other funds, such as documented loans, when determining a taxpayer’s obligations.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s tax reforms and questions about their implications for individuals, traders and small businesses.