Former Edo State Governor and ex-President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed concern over low wages in Nigeria, warning that poor compensation systems have negative implications for national security and economic productivity. Speaking at the Distinguished Personality Lecture organized by the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) on Wednesday in Abuja, Oshiomhole emphasized the link between fair wages and a secure, productive workforce.
In his lecture titled “National Minimum Wage: Reward System and Productivity in Africa,” Oshiomhole argued that the recent minimum wage increase, while commendable, has not improved the economic well-being of Nigerian workers. He noted that inflation and rising living costs have eroded purchasing power, leaving many employees in worse conditions than before.
Oshiomhole stressed the need for fair compensation as a driver for employee motivation and efficiency, pointing out that workers often face income instability and lack of job security. He criticized trade unions for failing to offer adequate support to members, leaving employees questioning the unions’ effectiveness.
“Fair wages are essential to ensure economic growth and worker morale,” Oshiomhole stated. “Workers are more vulnerable than ever, and without strong trade unions or collective bargaining rights, they struggle to advocate for fair treatment.”
He went on to highlight that the minimum wage is meant to protect vulnerable workers but is frequently unenforced. “Setting wages too high risks job losses, but setting them too low fuels exploitation,” he noted, adding that the widening gap between minimum and maximum wages across various sectors has increased worker dissatisfaction.
The lecture was part of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC 17), focusing on strengthening the understanding of how wage systems impact security and productivity.
