Labour unions under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ondo State Council, and its affiliate Unions have written to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to formally demand an immediate upward review of the minimum wage for Ondo State workers to a sum of N256,950.
The Ondo State government currently pays N73,000 as minimum wage, which the labour unions said can no longer meet the workers’ needs amidst the country’s economic hardship.
In a letter dated 19th September, 2025, signed and addressed to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the NLC also demanded an upward review of pensions for retirees in the state.
The State Chairman, Comrade Ademola Olapade, and the State Secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, signed the letter.
In the letter sighted by LEADERSHIP in Akure, however, the Ondo NLC commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for ensuring prompt salaries and pensions payments and the timely promotion of deserving workers by the State government.
The workers stated that the demand was based on multiple compelling factors rooted in economic reality, rising cost of living and a moral obligation to protect the dignity and welfare of workers and retirees.
The NLC letter reads, “We write on behalf of the workers and pensioners of Ondo State to make a formal and urgent demand for a comprehensive upward review of the new minimum wage in the State.
“Your Excellency, it is no longer news that the Nigerian economy has been severely battered by inflation, currency devaluation, the removal of fuel subsidies, and skyrocketing costs of food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. These factors have eroded the value of wages and left the average worker and pensioner in perpetual economic suffocation.
“Despite this, Ondo State, as an oil-producing state, has continued to experience a tremendous increase in its internally generated revenue (IGR) and particularly federal allocations, due to the improved oil earnings, favourable market conditions and subsidy funds.
“This reality was part of the understanding and commitment made by the Ondo State Government during the last minimum wage negotiation, that whenever there is an upward shift in the State’s revenue profile (inflow), workers’ welfare will be reviewed accordingly.
“Mr Governor Sir, recently, the Imo state government approved and commenced the payment of a new minimum wage of #104,000 to Imo State workers and pensioners alike. This bold and commendable step by a non-oil-producing state sends a clear signal across the nation that governments must prioritise the well-being of their workforce if they are to ensure sustainable governance and social stability.’’
