Workers Became Poorer in 2025 — NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that Nigerian workers became poorer in 2025, citing worsening economic conditions driven by policy decisions and persistent macroeconomic pressures.
In a statement reviewing the socio-economic situation of the country, the labour union said the removal of fuel subsidy, continued depreciation of the naira, and high inflation severely eroded workers’ purchasing power, making daily survival increasingly difficult for millions of households.
According to the NLC, while wages remained largely stagnant, the cost of essential goods and services surged sharply. Food prices, transportation fares, rent, electricity tariffs, healthcare, and school fees all rose significantly, forcing many workers to cut back on basic needs.
The union noted that the economic hardship was not limited to low-income earners alone, as middle-class workers also slipped closer to poverty due to declining real incomes. It added that many families now rely on debt, informal support networks, or multiple jobs to stay afloat.
The NLC criticised what it described as a lack of adequate cushioning measures by the government following the fuel subsidy removal, arguing that promised palliatives failed to reach the majority of workers or were insufficient to offset rising living costs.
It further warned that the continued squeeze on workers could worsen inequality, reduce productivity, and increase social tension if urgent corrective steps are not taken.
