The Grassroots Center for Rights and Civic Orientation has decried what it describes as the deplorable conditions faced by workers across the country, despite their critical role in nation-building.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Armsfree Ajanaku, the group said the wealth of any nation is built on the sweat and toil of its workers, from teachers to civil servants, artisans, traders, and health professionals.
The Center referenced a recent World Bank report projecting a rise in poverty by 3.6 percentage points by 2027 in Nigeria, warning that the worsening economic climate and surging inflation are already rendering the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage ineffective.
The organization also raised concerns about the high cost of doing business, which it says is stifling small and medium enterprises and fueling unemployment.
It criticised political leaders for what it called their “abdication of governance” and called for immediate, medium, and long-term poverty reduction programs targeting key sectors such as health, education, and agriculture.
The Grassroots Center also aligned with labour unions in demanding a fresh review of the national minimum wage and urged governments at all levels, including states yet to implement the current wage, to prioritise the welfare of workers.
The statement concludes with a call for transparency, accountability, and inclusive policymaking, saying civil society and the media must remain vigilant as well as engage in promoting economic justice for all.
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