The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review the national minimum wage upward in response to rising inflation, escalating living costs, and growing economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers.
The appeal was made on Thursday in Abuja during the Society’s 2026 Second Quarter Dinner and the conferment of Fellowship on more than 214 engineers, where the NSE leadership stressed that the welfare of citizens must remain a central objective of public policy.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Rabiu, said a wage review had become necessary to improve workers’ welfare as many Nigerians struggle to cope with increasing costs of transportation, food, and other basic necessities.
According to Rabiu, strengthening workers’ purchasing power is essential for household stability, employee wellbeing, and national productivity.
He emphasised that the primary responsibility of government is to ensure the security and welfare of citizens, arguing that economic and social wellbeing should receive the same level of attention as political concerns.
“The security and welfare of the people must remain the foremost objective of governance,” he said.
Rabiu stated that the NSE was joining other stakeholders in advocating a substantial upward review of the national minimum wage, expressing confidence that Nigeria possesses the resources needed to improve citizens’ living standards if supported by strong political will and effective leadership.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, the Nigerian Society of Engineers joins other well-meaning Nigerians in calling on the government to consider a substantive upward review of the national minimum wage for Nigerian workers,” he said.
The NSE President also raised concerns over rising insecurity, including kidnapping and other criminal activities, which he said continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and economic productivity.
He warned that persistent inflation and the rising cost of living are placing severe pressure on households and businesses, noting that many workers now struggle to afford transportation to and from work as petrol prices hover around ₦1,350 per litre.
Rabiu called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, professional bodies, academia, and industry stakeholders to address the nation’s economic and security challenges.
According to him, coordinated action and long-term policy reforms are essential to achieving sustainable national development and improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.
