Nigerian civil servants have called for a new minimum wage of N154,000 alongside a 120 percent increase in salaries and allowances to cushion the effects of rising economic hardship.
The demand was made by the (JNPSNC) in a letter addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to the council, workers are grappling with severe economic pressures driven by inflation, high fuel costs, and increasing expenses on food, housing, healthcare, and transportation.
Call for urgent salary review
The council stressed the need for an immediate and comprehensive review of wages, noting that current salaries no longer reflect economic realities.
It proposed that the minimum salary for public servants on Grade Level 01 Step 1 be raised to N154,000 monthly, representing a 120 percent increase.
Key proposals to government
The union urged the government to begin immediate negotiations through relevant agencies, including the .
Other recommendations include harmonising wages across ministries, departments, and agencies, introducing cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation, and providing welfare incentives such as subsidised transport and affordable housing.
Concerns over workers’ welfare
The council warned that the declining purchasing power of workers has affected morale and productivity across the public service.
It added that many civil servants are struggling to meet basic needs, describing the situation as unsustainable if urgent action is not taken.
Commendation for gratuity approval
While pressing its demands, the council commended President for approving full gratuity payments to retiring federal civil servants, describing it as a positive step toward improving welfare.
The union, however, maintained that a salary review remains critical to ensuring dignity, efficiency, and stability within Nigeria’s public service.
