Why Hard Work No Longer Guarantees Economic Security in Nigeria

Millions of Nigerians work long hours yet struggle to meet basic needs. Civil servants, health workers, traders and artisans are seeing the value of their earnings fall as food, transport, fuel and utility costs keep rising. The ₦70,000 minimum wage offers some relief, but inflation can quickly erase the benefit of a pay rise. Many formal workers say their salaries no longer cover a full month of household expenses, while informal workers have no wage protection at all. This gap is also contributing to the loss of skilled professionals in healthcare, education and technology. Rebuilding trust in honest work will require more than periodic salary reviews. Government must tackle inflation, energy and transport costs, food prices, and compliance with minimum-wage laws.

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