The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a fresh review of the national minimum wage, saying the current ₦70,000 salary can no longer meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers due to rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.
Key Highlights:
- The NLC says the ₦70,000 minimum wage is no longer enough due to rising inflation and living costs.
- Labour leaders called for fresh negotiations on a new national minimum wage.
- The demand was made at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Kebbi State.
- Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris pledged to implement any new nationally approved minimum wage.
- The summit also called for better worker welfare, safety, and stronger labour rights.
The demand was made on Friday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where labour leaders marked 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union’s Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), said the existing minimum wage had been overtaken by current economic realities.
“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.
Adeyanju noted that the expiration of the current wage arrangement made it necessary for organised labour to begin fresh negotiations with the Federal and State Governments on a new minimum wage that reflects prevailing economic conditions.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, government officials, employers, civil society organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court to examine the state of workers’ welfare and labour rights.
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Participants raised concerns over inflation, poor remuneration, workplace safety, discrimination, job insecurity and the protection of casual and non-traditional workers across the public and private sectors.
Convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was not only to celebrate the history of trade unionism but also to assess progress and address the challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
“This summit is not only about celebrating 88 years of trade unionism; it is also an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, the challenges that remain, and what must be done to guarantee decent work for Nigerian workers,” he said.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba stressed that decent work extends beyond salary increases, noting that workers also deserve stronger rights, social protection and meaningful dialogue with employers and government.
“Decent work is not only about wages. It is also about workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful social dialogue between workers, employers and government,” Wabba said.
Also speaking, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris assured workers that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it,” the governor said, adding that he would also advocate improved workers’ remuneration at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety, protection against discrimination and better welfare for workers across both the formal and informal sectors.
