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Many workers in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos State, have decried worsening economic hardship and rising living costs.
The workers, in different interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), appealed to the Nigerian Government and the state government to address worsening economic conditions before the 2027 elections.
According to the workers, rising petrol prices have pushed up transport fares, food prices, housing costs and other basic expenses, eroding workers’ earnings nationwide.
An entrepreneur in the state’s capital, Ikeja, Rose Adams, said rising operating costs have put businesses under immense pressure, and many are struggling to stay afloat.
“Many entrepreneurs are struggling to stay afloat because of the economic situation,” said Adams.
Adams urged government to communicate policies clearly and implement measures that would bring relief to citizens.
A salesman in Ajah, a suburb of Lagos, Jide Bane, described the economic situation as deeply troubling.
“It is painful that a resource-rich country still battles high energy costs and poor living conditions,” said Bane.
He said transport costs have surged, food prices have risen, and workers’ salaries have remained unchanged. Bane called for sustainable economic reforms to improve citizens’ welfare and restore stability.
Another Lagos resident, Grace Ngbekem, said fuel price increases have affected every sector of the economy.
“Once fuel prices rise, everything rises, including transport, food and even house rent,” she said.
Nkechi Nwosu, a civil servant, said the current minimum wage no longer reflected economic realities.
“School fees, food and rent have all increased. The minimum wage is no longer enough,” Nwosu said.
A lawyer, Johnson Rapheal, noted that rising petrol prices have led to increases in the prices of goods and essential services.
“Life is becoming increasingly difficult for the average Nigerian worker,” Rapheal said.
He urged the government to consider rent controls, lower building material costs and improved security nationwide.
The lawyer warned that unresolved economic challenges could discourage voter participation in the 2027 general elections.
The chairperson of the Lagos State faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Funmi Sessi, appealed to the state government on Friday to increase the minimum wage from N85,000 to N225,000.
Sessi said this increment has become necessary due to rising inflation and the high cost of living.
