Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has declared that the ₦70,000 national minimum wage is no longer sufficient for Nigerian workers struggling against the country's rising cost of living.

 

Speaking at the 2026 National Pre-Retirement Summit organized by XEM Consultants Limited, Keyamo highlighted how sharp inflationary pressures have severely eroded workers' purchasing power, making a fresh upward wage review necessary.

 

### Federal Government Urged to Meet Organized Labour Halfway

 

Keyamo called on the Federal Government to find common ground with organized labor in ongoing wage negotiations, noting that trade unions have submitted demands reaching as high as ₦500,000.

 

Recalling the 2024 negotiations that raised the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, Keyamo acknowledged that even that bump has proven inadequate to cushion everyday citizens against current economic realities.

 

### Backing Workers and Calling Out Workplace Disparities

 

During his address, the minister condemned unfair treatment and disparities within government agencies—specifically pointing out scenarios where low-level employees are denied basic allowances while senior officials approve hefty sums for overseas travel.

 

> *"I will have none of it. Without these workers, we will not have a country,"* Keyamo asserted, emphasizing that human resources remain the true backbone of public service productivity and national growth.

 

### NLC Chief Pushes for Purchasing Power, Not Just Higher Numbers

 

Also addressing summit attendees, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero urged swift government intervention to address soaring prices across fuel, public transportation, and staple foods.

 

Ajaero stressed that future wage discussions must focus on real purchasing power rather than face-value figures, ensuring that any new pay baseline actually reflects the real cost of living for working families.