Workers in Ondo State have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently review the current N73,000 minimum wage, describing it as unrealistic in the face of Nigeria’s harsh economic climate.

In a letter addressed to the governor through the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions, the workers demanded that the minimum wage be increased to N256,950.

The letter, signed by the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ademola Olapade, and the State Secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, stressed that the removal of fuel subsidy, rising inflation, and escalating costs of food, transportation, housing, and healthcare have made the existing wage inadequate for survival.

They urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to immediately constitute a negotiation committee, noting that Ondo State has the financial capacity to meet their demand.

The NLC also referenced Imo State, which recently approved a N104,000 minimum wage for workers and pensioners despite not being an oil-producing state. They argued that Ondo, as an oil-producing state, should take the lead in setting progressive standards for workers’ welfare.

 “It is only just and reasonable that Ondo State, which is blessed with oil wealth and resource potential, does not lag behind but instead leads in setting progressive standards for others to emulate,” the letter read.

The workers further demanded an upward review of pension for retirees, insisting that those who had served the state in their active years deserve to live with dignity.

 “Workers are the engine of governance and economic productivity, and pensioners are citizens who had served with loyalty during their better years. Governance must not only be about policies and projects but also about people’s welfare,” the union said.

They maintained that the proposed N256,950 minimum wage reflects prevailing economic realities and is necessary to ensure that an average worker in Ondo State can live a dignified life.