The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently implement a living wage, warning that rising inflation, soaring fuel prices and worsening unemployment have pushed millions of Nigerians into severe economic hardship.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group said the current minimum wage no longer reflects the country’s economic realities, leaving workers unable to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, housing and education.
HURIWA urged the Federal Government to stabilise fuel prices, launch a national youth employment programme, strengthen social protection for vulnerable households, curb inflation and provide greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The rights group also cautioned against introducing new or higher taxes, describing such a move as insensitive and capable of worsening poverty, crippling businesses and increasing public discontent.
According to HURIWA, Nigeria is at a critical crossroads and requires urgent economic reforms to protect workers, create jobs and restore citizens’ purchasing power. It warned that continued inaction could heighten social and economic instability.
