AAC demands ₦500,000 living wage for Nigerian workers, calls for dignity and fair compensation

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Action Congress (AAC) has renewed calls for a living wage of at least ₦500,000 per month for Nigerian workers, insisting that the country’s workforce deserves more than mere survival wages.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the opposition party said the proposed wage should be backed by proper allowances for critical sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and emergency services.

“Police officers, soldiers, teachers, doctors, nurses, and all public servants who keep society running must be rewarded with dignity, fair compensation, and improved welfare. A nation cannot progress while its workers remain trapped in poverty,” the AAC said.

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The party’s position aligns with growing public advocacy for a ₦500,000 minimum wage, which campaigners argue would cover basic needs — food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and education — while boosting productivity and national development.

According to the proposal, workers in high‑risk and essential sectors should receive additional monthly allowances ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, depending on their responsibilities. Police officers and soldiers would earn the highest allowances due to the risks associated with public safety and national security.

Supporters of the plan say the measure would strengthen the economy, reduce poverty, and recognise the sacrifices of those who sustain essential services.

The AAC’s stance adds momentum to ongoing national debates over wage reform, as labour unions continue to press for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s pay structure amid rising inflation and living costs.