TUC urges federal government to raise civil servants’ pay before next minimum-wage review

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the federal government to lift the salaries of federal workers now, rather than waiting for the formal process to reset the national minimum wage. TUC President Festus Osifo made the appeal during a press briefing in Abuja following the union’s National Administrative Council meeting.

Osifo told reporters that the government does not need to wait for the scheduled minimum-wage review to adjust pay for its staff. He argued the executive can independently decide to increase remuneration for federal employees.

According to Vanguard’s account of the briefing, Osifo suggested the federal government could raise monthly wages to a range between N200,000 and N400,000. That specific figure was reported by Vanguard; other outlets covering the TUC statement did not publish those numbers.

Why the TUC is pressing for an immediate rise

The union’s message reflects ongoing concerns about the purchasing power of public-sector salaries amid persistent economic pressures. Although the TUC has framed the move as a step the federal government can take administratively, Osifo’s comments also underscore labour’s expectation that action be taken sooner rather than later to ease cost-of-living strains on workers.

By calling for an executive pay adjustment, the TUC separates the issue of statutory minimum-wage negotiations—typically involving multiple stakeholders and a formal review process—from the government’s capacity to modify pay scales for its own workforce.

Government options and next steps

All three outlets reporting the TUC’s statement said the union believes the federal government can act without waiting for the next minimum-wage review. Beyond that shared point, reports diverged: Vanguard provided specific suggested salary bands, while other publications focused on the general call for immediate raises.

The TUC’s appeal places pressure on policymakers to outline whether and how they might increase federal salaries administratively. Any such changes would affect budget planning and could prompt responses from other labour groups, employers, and the government.

The TUC’s public urging comes as a reminder of labour’s role in national wage debates and the political choices available to executives responsible for public-sector pay. The union intends to keep the issue in view, and observers will be watching for any official response from the federal government or follow-up discussions with labour leaders.