The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has sounded the alarm over the worsening plight of Nigerian workers, calling on federal and state governments to immediately implement a living wage that reflects the country’s harsh economic realities.
According to CHRICED Executive Director Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Nigerian workers are being pushed to the brink as inflation skyrockets from 21% to 24.23% under the current administration. “What we’re seeing is a workforce being strangled by economic policies while those in power live in obscene comfort,” he stated during the May Day address.
Zikirullahi noted with concern that despite increased government revenues from oil sales, expanded taxation and fuel subsidy removal savings, the national minimum wage remains frozen at a “starvation wage” of N70,000. “It’s an insult that state governors are receiving higher FAAC allocations while workers can’t afford three square meals,” he added, referencing the recent protests by Oyo State workers over unpaid wage awards.
The rights group particularly condemned the slow implementation of the new minimum wage law passed last July, revealing that more than 20 states are yet to comply. “This isn’t just negligence – it’s a calculated disregard for workers’ dignity,” Zikirullahi stated, contrasting the situation with billions being spent on political office holders’ allowances.
CHRICED’s investigation uncovered disturbing patterns of worker exploitation across sectors. “We have civil servants who haven’t received festive bonuses in years, yet watch helplessly as politicians share billions in frivolous allowances,” he noted. The group also documented cases of workers being denied critical healthcare under the National Health Insurance Scheme while still having mandatory deductions taken from their salaries.
On housing, Zikirullahi revealed how the National Housing Fund has become a scam against workers. “After decades of contributions, less than 2% of workers have accessed the scheme,” he stated, adding that primary mortgage banks routinely reject applications from middle-income earners.
The rights advocate called for immediate agricultural interventions to cushion workers. “If governors can distribute rice during elections, why can’t they establish cooperative farms to help workers grow food year-round?” he questioned, proposing worker-owned agricultural schemes as a solution to food insecurity.
As Workers’ Day celebrations continue nationwide, CHRICED warned that the current situation is unsustainable. “A nation that treats its workers as expendable is courting disaster,” Zikirullahi concluded. “The time for empty promises is over – Nigerian workers need a living wage today, not tomorrow.”
