Peter Obi Calls for Urgent Wage Review, Warns of Deepening Economic Hardship for Nigerian Workers

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for an urgent review of workers’ wages in Nigeria, warning that worsening economic conditions are rapidly weakening purchasing power and pushing millions further into hardship.

In a statement marking Workers’ Day on Friday, Obi paid tribute to Nigerian workers, describing them as the backbone of national survival and the driving force behind economic activity across all sectors.

He said workers continue to sustain families, institutions, and communities despite rising inflation, unstable incomes, and increasing cost pressures affecting daily life.

The appeal for a wage review comes amid growing public concern over soaring food prices, transportation costs, and the steady erosion of real income across the country.

Obi expressed concern that many essential workers, including teachers, health professionals, farmers, transport operators, security personnel, and artisans, are no longer earning wages that reflect the value of their contributions.

“It is deeply painful that those who wake up every day to teach, heal, build, farm, produce, transport, protect, and serve our nation are still denied the dignity and fair reward their labour deserves,” he stated.

He warned that the current minimum wage structure is no longer sufficient to support even a modest standard of living, urging government intervention to address the widening gap between earnings and cost of living.

Obi further stressed that no country can achieve meaningful progress without prioritising the welfare and productivity of its workforce, arguing that labour must be treated as a central pillar of national development.

“When workers suffer, the nation suffers. When workers are empowered, the nation prospers,” he said.

Beyond wage concerns, he urged Nigerians to take an active role in shaping political leadership by supporting individuals with competence, character, credibility, capacity, and compassion.

He added that the future of the country depends on citizens making informed choices that promote justice, fairness, and sustainable development.

Obi’s comments add to ongoing national debate over economic reforms and labour welfare, as pressure mounts on policymakers to respond to inflation and declining living standards.