Tension In Akure: Ondo Workers Reject ‘Peanuts,’ Demand Over N250k Wage

Workers in Ondo State have called for an urgent upward review of the current N73,000 minimum wage to N256,950, citing the harsh economic realities in the country.

In a letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa through the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) state council and its affiliate unions, the workers stressed that the demand had become necessary due to the removal of fuel subsidy, rising inflation, and the soaring costs of food, housing, transportation, and healthcare.

The letter, signed by the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ademola Olapade, and State Secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, urged the governor to immediately set up a negotiation committee.

The workers insisted that Ondo has the financial capacity to meet the demand, pointing out that Imo State, despite not being an oil-producing state, has already begun paying its workers and pensioners a N104,000 minimum wage.

They also demanded an upward adjustment of pensions, arguing that Ondo, being an oil-producing state, should not lag behind but rather set the pace for progressive labour standards across Nigeria.

The letter partly read:
“Your Excellency, Ondo State is a vital contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue, and as such, it is unacceptable that its workers and pensioners are forced to survive on wages that do not reflect the state’s economic strength. Workers are the engine of governance and productivity, while pensioners, who once gave their best years in service, deserve to live the rest of their lives with dignity.

“In view of the above, the NLC Ondo State Council and its affiliate unions are demanding the immediate upward review of the minimum wage to N256,950. This amount reflects the current economic indices and the true cost of survival for the average worker.

“Good governance is not only about policies and infrastructure but also about people’s welfare. A government that pays its workers and pensioners a fair wage is one that truly honours its social contract with the people.”