May Day: Labour urges Otti to raise workers’ minimum wage

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abia State, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, has urged Governor Alex Otti to review the minimum wage paid to workers in the state to cushion the hardship they are facing.

Ogbonnaya made the appeal on Friday in Umuahia, the state capital, while delivering a speech during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration themed: “Insecurity, poverty: bane of decent work.”

He said workers are going through difficult times due to the harsh economic conditions in the country.

Ogbonnaya, however, commended Otti for being among the first governors to approve and implement the 2024 minimum wage and its consequential adjustment, but noted that rising inflation has significantly eroded the purchasing power of workers.

He said, “Fellow workers, the truth must be told plainly: the Nigerian worker today is under siege—not from a foreign enemy, but from twin challenges that have become the greatest obstacles to decent work in our nation.

“Workers in Abia State and across Nigeria face daily uncertainties. Those in the private sector are exploited, underpaid and denied their basic rights. The minimum wage remains a dream for many in the private sector.

“It is common knowledge that the minimum wage has been rendered almost meaningless by galloping inflation, which has stripped the naira of its value and turned hard-earned wages into near-worthless earnings. A litre of fuel now costs almost N1,500, compared to about N800 when the minimum wage was passed.

“Available data shows that Nigeria’s inflation rate continues to erode workers’ purchasing power. Food inflation, in particular, has been severe, pushing many working families into hardship.

“This is a national emergency. We therefore appeal to our worker-friendly governor to review the minimum wage to ease the hardship workers are currently facing due to the prevailing economic situation.”

Responding, Otti promised that his administration would consider the requests made by organised labour in line with current economic realities.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, appreciated the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and their affiliates for collaborating with the state government to improve workers’ welfare.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the career growth of workers beyond routine entitlements.

Otti also urged union members not to allow themselves to be used by individuals pursuing personal interests, but to remain committed to dialogue.

He added that the government had consistently invested in training and capacity development programmes and would continue to deploy technology to improve productivity and enhance collaboration within the workforce.