NLC Seeks New Minimum Wage, Says ₦70,000 No Longer Meets Workers' Needs

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an upward review of the national minimum wage, arguing that the current ₦70,000 wage is no longer sufficient due to rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.

The demand was made on Friday during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where labour leaders, government officials, employers, civil society groups, and workers gathered to discuss the state of workers' rights and welfare in Nigeria.

Representing NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union's Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), said the current wage had been overtaken by economic realities, making it difficult for workers to meet their basic needs.

He stressed that the expiration of the existing wage arrangement makes fresh negotiations with the Federal Government and state governments necessary, urging authorities to approve a new minimum wage that reflects current economic conditions.

The summit's convener and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was not only to celebrate 88 years of organised trade unionism in Nigeria but also to assess progress and address challenges affecting workers.

Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba noted that decent work goes beyond higher salaries, emphasizing the importance of workers' rights, social protection, job security, and meaningful dialogue between labour, employers, and government.

Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris assured workers that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government. He also pledged to advocate for better workers' remuneration during discussions at the Nigeria Governors' Forum.

Participants at the summit further called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety, protection against discrimination, and better welfare for workers in both the formal and informal sectors. They urged governments at all levels to ensure that decades of collective bargaining result in meaningful improvements in workers' living and working conditions.

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