The Nigeria Labour Congress, Ondo State Council, called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to sign an immediate increase in the state’s minimum wage to ₦256,950 for workers in the face of dire economic realities.
In a September 19, 2025, letter by the State Chairman, Comrade Ademola Olapade, and the Secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, the NLC also urged the government to increase pensions for retired persons.
The union made it clear that ₦73,000 minimum wage was unsustainable in light of the inflation, currency devaluation, subsidy removal, and rising cost of food, shelter, transport, and health.
While commending Governor Aiyedatiwa for his prompt payment of salaries and pensions as well as prompt promotion, the leaders of labour remained insistent that workers would be paid wages that would be commensurate with the state’s status as an oil-producing state and improved revenue base.
The NLC was inspired by the recent passage in Imo State of a ₦104,000 minimum wage, as it noted that Ondo must not be left behind but should be a trailblazer to other states.
The letter wrote in part: “Workers are the engine of governance and economic productivity, while pensioners deserve to live with dignity after years of service. It is only fair that Ondo State leads by example in ensuring just and realistic wages.”
The federation urged the government to forthwith constitute a labour, government officials, and stakeholders’ negotiation committee to negotiate a mutually acceptable new wage structure.
