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By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has provided a comprehensive explanation for its proposal of a N615,000 minimum wage, elucidating the intricate details of the monthly cost of living for Nigerian workers. In a meticulous analysis, the NLC has delineated various expenses, with food and transportation emerging as significant contributors to the proposed wage figure.

According to the NLC’s computations, the monthly cost of living includes a diverse array of expenses, ranging from housing and utilities to education and sanitation. However, it is the expenses related to food and transportation that dominate the budget, collectively comprising the lion’s share of the proposed wage.

For food expenses, the NLC estimates that an individual would spend approximately N9,000 per day, resulting in a total monthly expenditure of N270,000. This allocation underscores the crucial role that food plays in the basic sustenance of Nigerian workers and their families.

Similarly, transportation costs are deemed substantial, with each worker projected to spend N110,000 per month on commuting. This allocation reflects the challenges associated with transportation in Nigeria, including rising fuel prices and inadequate public transportation infrastructure.

Beyond food and transportation, the NLC’s breakdown includes allocations for essential needs such as housing, electricity, water, and medical expenses. Additionally, provisions are made for clothing, education, and sanitation, further emphasizing the holistic approach taken in assessing the cost of living.

Importantly, the NLC clarifies that certain discretionary expenses, such as entertainment and savings, have been intentionally excluded from the computation. This decision underscores the union’s focus on addressing the bare necessities required for a decent standard of living.

Moreover, the NLC highlights the impact of recent developments, such as increases in electricity tariffs and fuel scarcity, on the overall cost of living. These factors have exacerbated financial burdens for Nigerian workers, further underscoring the urgency of implementing a fair and equitable minimum wage.

In presenting this detailed breakdown, the NLC aims to provide transparency and clarity regarding the rationale behind its wage proposal. The union asserts that a minimum wage below the proposed N615,000 threshold would condemn workers and their families to perpetual poverty, emphasizing the imperative of securing just compensation.

Furthermore, the NLC underscores the importance of timely negotiations and urges both the government and employers to recognize the legitimacy of its demands. The union’s commitment to justice, equity, and national development is evident in its steadfast advocacy for a wage that reflects the true cost of living for Nigerian workers.

Overall, the NLC’s comprehensive analysis serves as a compelling argument for the necessity of a N615,000 minimum wage, grounded in the tangible realities of workers’ daily lives and financial responsibilities.