The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to ensure the new minimum wage reflects the country’s cost of living.

This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary session after a motion by Minority Whip Isa Ali.

On Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) began an indefinite strike over the government’s refusal to meet their minimum wage demands of N615,500 and N494,000, which the government deemed unrealistic. The labour unions cited inflation and economic hardship as reasons for their proposed figures. The strike was temporarily paused on Tuesday to allow for further negotiations.

Ali noted that the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which set the wage at N30,000, expired on April 18, 2024, necessitating a review. He stressed the need for a “living wage” to mitigate economic difficulties and boost public service productivity.

Supporting the motion, Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki and Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda emphasized the government’s constitutional duty to ensure citizens’ welfare and security. Chinda criticized the government’s failure to provide adequate wages and welfare, highlighting the impracticality of surviving on current salaries.

The motion was adopted following a voice vote presided over by Ben Kalu. The House urged the government to shift focus from setting a new minimum wage to establishing a realistic living wage and to consider lowering electricity tariffs to alleviate Nigerians’ suffering.