Organised Labour Calls for N154,000 Minimum Wage for Public Workers

The National Public Service Negotiating Council (NPSNC) has formally requested a new minimum wage of N154,000 for public service employees, representing a 120% increase over current salaries and allowances.

In a letter dated March 12, 2026, addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the council described the current economic conditions as imposing a “life of servitude” on public workers. The correspondence highlighted the rising cost of living and the declining purchasing power of salaries as major concerns.

The letter cited factors such as high inflation, increasing fuel prices, and escalating costs for housing, food, healthcare, education, and transportation as driving the urgent need for salary adjustments.

The demand follows a meeting of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) on March 9 at the AUPCTRE National Secretariat in Abuja. The letter was signed by NPSNC National Chairman Benjamin Anthony and National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga.

The council’s request also commended recent approvals for gratuity payments to retiring workers, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support for public service staff amid economic challenges.