The Nigeria Labour Congress Lagos State Council has called on the Lagos State Government to increase the minimum wage from N85,000 to N225,000, citing rising inflation and growing economic pressure on workers.

The demand was made by the council’s Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena on May 1, 2026.

The union stated that the current wage has become inadequate due to the high cost of living, noting that inflation has significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power and made it difficult to meet basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and education.

The Nigeria Labour Congress Lagos State Council emphasized that the current wage structure can no longer protect workers from the pressure of inflation and rising living costs, arguing that salaries have lost significant value since the last adjustment.

The NLC noted that inflation, currently around 15.38%, has driven up the cost of essential goods and services, and many workers are increasingly unable to cope with rising expenses, leaving them financially vulnerable.

The union also linked the situation to global economic developments affecting fuel prices and overall living costs.