Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has advocated a major improvement in the earnings of Nigerian workers, saying employees across the country should receive at least ₦500,000 monthly to cope with prevailing economic realities.
Sowore’s call comes amid continued concerns over the rising cost of food, transportation, housing and other essential goods and services. He argued that the income of ordinary workers should be sufficient to meet basic needs and support a decent standard of living.
The activist’s position has added fresh momentum to Nigeria’s ongoing conversation about wages and workers’ welfare. Labour unions, employers and government authorities have repeatedly debated how salaries can be adjusted to reflect changing economic conditions without placing unsustainable pressure on businesses and public finances.
The issue is particularly important because the purchasing power of many Nigerian households has come under pressure in recent years. Rising prices have made it increasingly difficult for workers to meet household expenses, prompting calls for stronger social protection and improved remuneration.
Nigeria’s current national minimum wage is ₦70,000 per month, following the enactment of the National Minimum Wage Act 2024. The legislation replaced the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage and provides for periodic review of the wage structure.
While advocates of higher wages argue that increased earnings could improve workers’ welfare and stimulate economic activity, critics often point to the financial implications for employers and governments. Small businesses, in particular, may face difficulties meeting substantially higher wage bills without corresponding increases in productivity and revenue.
Sowore has remained a vocal critic of government economic policies and has frequently called for measures aimed at improving living standards and reducing economic inequality.
His latest proposal therefore comes against the backdrop of wider calls for better remuneration and stronger purchasing power for Nigerian workers.
The debate over the appropriate wage level is expected to continue as government officials, labour representatives and employers assess the country’s economic conditions.
Ultimately, the question is how to strike a balance between providing workers with wages that reflect the cost of living and ensuring that businesses and governments can sustain higher salary obligations without worsening inflation or unemployment.
