Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, the Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2027 general election in Nigeria, has announced plans to scrap the country's minimum-wage approach. He aims to replace it with a living-wage system that considers the broader socio-economic needs of Nigerian workers. Okereke emphasized that a living wage should not be limited to a specific monetary figure. Instead, it should encompass decent pay, housing, healthcare, food security, job security, social protection, and a safe working environment.
Okereke criticized the current system of negotiating minimum wages every few years, stating that it is inadequate due to rapid changes in the cost of living. He argued that a living-wage law would eliminate the need for frequent negotiations. According to Okereke, the irreducible minimum for Nigerian workers should include equal opportunity, functional social welfare, and a fair reward system. His proposed living-wage framework would be supported by an efficient social-protection system.
The Labour Party candidate highlighted the importance of ensuring that workers' take-home pay can respond to changes in the cost of living. He noted that rising prices can quickly erode the value of a fixed wage. Okereke used the example of a phone that increases in price from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, illustrating the need for consequential adjustments. He suggested that different methods should be used to make these adjustments.
Okereke linked workers' welfare to the quality of public services, emphasizing that the government cannot continue paying workers without addressing the cost of housing, healthcare, education, and food. He questioned why workers in government offices should travel long distances for basic medical attention, while many lower-income workers are forced to pay for private schools due to declining confidence in public education.
The Labour Party candidate identified the overall condition of service, rather than wages alone, as the greatest challenge facing Nigerian workers. He argued that workers must have access to fair promotion, training opportunities, gratuity, pension, and healthcare. Okereke emphasized that the welfare of workers should not be treated as charity. Instead, he promised to demand productivity, quality, service, and value for money.
Okereke criticized disparities in remuneration across government institutions, arguing that some public agencies have boards empowered to determine their own salaries and benefits outside the normal collective bargaining and minimum-wage framework. He called for a review of the system to ensure that longevity, productivity, and value creation are reflected in the reward structure. Okereke promised to redesign the way subsidies are administered, focusing on directly supporting citizens rather than subsidizing systems that could be captured by vested interests.
Okereke's proposed living-wage framework aims to provide a comprehensive approach to workers' welfare. He promised to subsidize the people, not the system, and to ensure that citizens receive the support they need to thrive. The Labour Party candidate was adopted by the Labour Party as its presidential candidate in May and subsequently ratified by its National Executive Committee.
Key points
- Dr. Chibuzo Okereke plans to scrap the minimum-wage approach in favor of a living-wage system.
- The proposed living-wage framework would consider the broader socio-economic needs of Nigerian workers.
- Okereke aims to ensure that workers' take-home pay can respond to changes in the cost of living.
