In a move aimed at bolstering worker wellbeing, Nigeria’s House of Reps passed a resolution on Wednesday to establish a framework for a living wage for all Nigerian workers. The resolution, championed by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and backed by 39 other lawmakers, comes amidst rising inflation and concerns about the deteriorating purchasing power of Nigerian salaries.
Citing the rising cost of basic necessities like food, housing, and transportation, proponents of the resolution argue that current wages leave many workers struggling to afford a decent standard of living. Chinda referenced Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing the right of all workers to “just and favourable remuneration” that allows them and their families to live with dignity.
The specifics of how the living wage will be determined and implemented remain to be seen. The resolution instructs relevant committees within the House to work out the modalities. This process is likely to involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including labor unions, government ministries, and economic experts.
The move by the Reps has been met with cautious optimism by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the nation’s umbrella union for workers. The NLC has previously advocated for a living wage and sees this resolution as a positive step. However, some within the NLC have expressed concerns about the speed and effectiveness of the implementation process.
