Fuel Relief Is Not Living Dignity: GAFAMORG Calls for Living Wage and Stronger Social Protection

The Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organization (GAFAMORG) has called on the Federal Government to move beyond temporary fuel-related relief measures and adopt a sustainable economic framework built around a Living Wage, accessible public services and comprehensive social protection.

In a statement addressing Nigeria’s escalating cost-of-living crisis, the organisation expressed support for the legitimate demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), urging the government to take urgent, concrete and transparent measures to protect workers, pensioners, informal-sector workers and struggling households.

GAFAMORG noted that rising fuel prices have consequences far beyond the cost of transportation, contributing to higher food prices and increasing the cost of housing, healthcare, education and other essential services.

According to the organisation, temporary palliatives may provide short-term relief but cannot resolve the structural problems undermining household incomes and living standards.

Minimum Wage Must Reflect the Cost of Living

GAFAMORG stressed the distinction between a National Minimum Wage, which establishes a legal wage floor, and a Living Wage, which should enable workers to afford decent food, secure housing, transportation, healthcare, education and other essential needs for themselves and their families.

The organisation maintained that wage negotiations should be informed by verified living costs and assessed according to the purchasing power of workers, rather than the nominal amount announced.

It called for evidence-based minimum-wage negotiations, regular and predictable wage reviews, stronger enforcement of wage laws and collective agreements, and a clear, time-bound pathway towards a Living Wage.

Six-Point Agenda for Economic Dignity

The organisation outlined six priority demands:

1. Immediate and transparent relief: Effective measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel and living costs.

2. Evidence-based wage negotiations: Wage reviews grounded in current and verifiable household expenditure.

3. A pathway to a Living Wage: Time-bound measures supported by collective bargaining and regular wage reviews.

4. Enforcement of labour rights: Stronger implementation of minimum-wage laws and collective agreements across public and private sectors.

5. A comprehensive Social Wage: Improved access to affordable healthcare, quality public education, transportation, housing support, adequate pensions and protection against unemployment, disability and workplace injuries.

6. Inclusive protection: Policies that recognise the needs of formal-sector workers, informal workers, self-employed Nigerians and pensioners.

GAFAMORG emphasised that a Living Wage and a Social Wage must advance together. While the former concerns the income workers earn, the latter encompasses essential public services and social protections that reduce the financial burden on households.

The organisation argued that the effectiveness of economic policy should ultimately be measured by whether ordinary Nigerians can afford basic necessities without being trapped in persistent anxiety and financial insecurity.

GAFAMORG Launches People's Living Dignity Test 2026

As part of its public advocacy, GAFAMORG announced the People's Living Dignity Test 2026, a voluntary questionnaire designed to gather citizens' experiences of wages, living costs, access to public services and social protection.

The organisation explained that the initiative is intended to amplify the voices of ordinary Nigerians and encourage wider public participation in discussions about workers' welfare and economic policy. It clarified that the questionnaire is not a substitute for official statistics or academic research.

GAFAMORG called on the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), other labour organisations, employers, professional associations, informal workers, pensioners, civil society organisations, community leaders, academics, journalists and members of the public to support and circulate the questionnaire.

Members of the public can participate through the official People's Living Dignity Test 2026 questionnaire: [Insert verified questionnaire link here].

The organisation encouraged Nigerians to complete the questionnaire, share it within their communities and workplaces, and mobilise their unions and associations to participate.

Beyond Temporary Concessions

GAFAMORG concluded that Nigeria needs a long-term economic framework that protects purchasing power, improves access to essential services and guarantees greater economic security for workers and their families.

It reiterated that lasting economic dignity requires more than temporary concessions, calling for coordinated action on wages, pensions, public services and social protection.

The statement ended with the organisation's commitment to its founding ideals:

“GAFAMORG — For the Voiceless and Defenceless! Remembering Gani by Continuing His Struggle.”