NLC Demands Fresh Minimum Wage Review, Says ₦70,000 No Longer Sustainable

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called for a fresh review of the national minimum wage, saying the current ₦70,000 wage has been overtaken by rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.

The call was made on Friday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, as stakeholders marked 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.

The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, government officials, workers, employers, civil society organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court to assess the state of workers’ rights and welfare across the country.

Participants deliberated on workers’ remuneration across the 36 states, local governments and the private sector, while raising concerns over inflation, rising living costs, workplace safety, discrimination, job insecurity and the protection of casual and other non-traditional workers.

Speaking on behalf of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the congress’ Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju, popularly known as Amba, identified the national minimum wage as one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian workers.

Adeyanju said the ₦70,000 minimum wage could no longer adequately meet workers’ basic needs amid prevailing economic conditions.

«“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living,” he said.»

He said the expiration of the existing wage arrangement had made fresh negotiations with the Federal and state governments imperative, urging authorities to consider an upward review that would reflect current economic realities.

The convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the event was intended not only to commemorate the history of trade unionism but also to assess the progress made and challenges that remained in protecting workers’ rights.

He said the summit provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on what had been achieved and identify measures required to guarantee decent work for Nigerian workers.

Former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, however, cautioned against defining decent work solely in terms of salary increases, stressing the importance of workers’ rights, social protection and effective dialogue among workers, employers and government.

According to Wabba, decent work must encompass workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful social dialogue.

He urged stakeholders to formulate policies that would protect workers’ dignity, strengthen job security and expand social protection, particularly amid the economic pressures confronting households across the country.

Also speaking at the summit, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured workers that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage agreed upon by the Federal Government.

Idris also pledged to advocate improved remuneration for workers during engagements with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Commending civil servants for their contributions to governance and the development of Kebbi State, the governor said, “Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it.”

The governor’s position came amid renewed calls by organised labour for a wage structure capable of reflecting the rising cost of basic goods and services.

The summit further called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety, protection against discrimination and greater attention to workers outside the traditional formal employment structure.

As Nigeria commemorates 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism, participants said the anniversary should reinforce the need to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure that collective bargaining produces tangible improvements in workers’ living and working conditions.

The summit concluded with goodwill messages from labour leaders, affiliate unions and representatives of the National Industrial Court, while awards were presented to distinguished personalities, including Governor Idris, for their contributions to workers’ welfare and development.Alternative headline: NLC Seeks Fresh Wage Negotiation, Says ₦70,000 Minimum Wage No Longer Sustainable