An industrial relations expert, Prof. Ismaila Kadiri of the University of Ilorin, has called on the Federal Government to urgently review and increase the national minimum wage, saying current pay levels are no longer sufficient for workers to meet basic needs.
Prof. Kadiri made the call on Thursday in Ilorin while delivering the university’s 296th inaugural lecture.
He said rising costs of food, housing, healthcare, and transportation have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power, making a wage review imperative.
Speaking on the topic, “Let My Wage Take Me Home: Issues and Controversies”, he argued that the minimum wage must reflect the real cost of living.
“There is a need to raise the minimum wage to a level that truly supports workers,” he said. “This will help them afford basic necessities and live decent lives.”
He explained that meaningful increases could be achieved through dialogue and consensus among key stakeholders, including government agencies, employers and their associations, and workers’ unions.
“Industrial relations is about how these groups relate with one another,” he said. “It covers recruitment, promotion, motivation, discipline, retirement, and even life after work.”
Kadiri added that workers’ welfare should extend beyond salaries to include job security, fair treatment, and safe working conditions.
He urged the government to strengthen social safety programmes such as healthcare support, housing assistance, and food security schemes to help families facing financial hardship.
“The existing programmes of the government should be improved and made more effective,” he said. “They must be energised to respond to present economic and global challenges.”
He maintained that improved welfare would reduce poverty, enhance productivity, and contribute to national development.
