The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on state governments to raise civil servants’ pay above the current ₦70,000 minimum, insisting that rising federal revenues leave no room for excuses amid worsening living costs.
NECA’s Director-General, Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, stated that higher inflows to the Federation Account meant states could no longer justify adhering to the ₦70,000 threshold while workers faced escalating food, transport, and shelter costs.
“So, no state really has an excuse in the context of the current reality to stay at that ₦70,000, especially with people struggling with the price of petrol. While many states are still doing a lot with the CNG buses, we think more still needs to be done,” he said.