The Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG) has urged the Federal Government and organised labour to develop a permanent framework that protects workers' purchasing power from inflation. This call comes after the recent three-day warning strike by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC). GAFAMORG welcomed the JNPSNC's call for urgent engagement with the Federal Government and its warning of a total strike if workers' concerns are not addressed. The organisation stated that the issues raised by the council, including fuel prices, wages, and allowances, are genuine concerns affecting millions of Nigerians.
GAFAMORG described the cycle of wage increases followed by rising prices, declining purchasing power, and renewed demands for higher wages as a major challenge. The organisation proposed a "new economic compact" built around four pillars: a living wage, a social wage, wage and pension adjustments linked to the cost of living, and policies designed to protect purchasing power. A living wage should reflect the actual cost of meeting basic needs, while a social wage should involve affordable and accessible public services.
According to GAFAMORG, a wage increase cannot guarantee lasting economic dignity if the cost of basic necessities continues to rise faster than incomes. The organisation's "People's Living Dignity Test 2026" is collecting anonymous household data across the country to provide evidence of what Nigerians require to live with dignity. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
GAFAMORG also called for greater attention to pensioners and informal workers, who face the same rising costs without the protection available to salaried employees. The organisation urged the government to reduce household pressure through quality and affordable public services. This would enable families to allocate their income more effectively and access basic necessities.
The organisation proposed a national stakeholders' meeting involving organised labour, informal workers, civil society organisations, and other groups to develop a long-term framework for sustainable economic security and prosperity. This meeting would bring together diverse stakeholders to discuss the challenges faced by Nigerian workers and potential solutions.
GAFAMORG urged the Federal Government to urgently engage the JNPSNC and organised labour on fuel prices, wage awards, salaries, allowances, and the 2027 minimum wage process. The organisation also called on government and labour to begin discussions on a permanent system for protecting wages and pensions against inflation. Informal workers and vulnerable groups should be included in economic policy decisions.
The organisation emphasised that the end of the warning strike should not mark the end of the campaign for economic dignity. GAFAMORG stated that Nigeria needs to move from wage struggle to national prosperity, from temporary adjustments to lasting protection, and from separate struggles to a new economic compact. The organisation's proposals aim to provide a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
Key points
- GAFAMORG proposes a "new economic compact" to address the cycle of wage increases and rising prices.
- The organisation calls for a national stakeholders' meeting to develop a long-term framework for sustainable economic security and prosperity.
- GAFAMORG urges the government to engage with organised labour and begin discussions on a permanent system for protecting wages and pensions against inflation.
