The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to reopen negotiations with the Federal Government over a new national minimum wage, warning that the current N70,000 monthly wage is no longer sufficient to meet the basic needs of workers.
The labour unions made the announcement during a joint address delivered at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva on Monday, where they highlighted growing economic pressures facing Nigerian workers.
Nigeria’s current minimum wage became law in July 2024 with an initial three-year review cycle. However, the Federal Government adjusted the review framework in January 2025 to a two-year cycle, making 2026 the next period for a possible review.
The unions said the existing wage structure no longer reflects current economic realities, citing rising costs of food, transportation, housing and healthcare as major factors affecting workers’ purchasing power.
Organised labour disclosed that it would formally write to the Federal Government to begin discussions ahead of the July 2026 renegotiation timeline, stressing the need to avoid delays experienced during previous wage review processes.
“The current Act expires early next year, and we have announced that renegotiation will commence by July 2026 to avoid the painful delays of the past. As soon as we leave here, we shall write again to the government demanding the commencement of the process for renegotiating the national minimum wage,” the unions stated.
Labour leaders said workers are facing severe financial pressure due to currency depreciation and increased costs of essential services. They also rejected any proposal that would impose additional tax burdens on low-income earners.
“We demand nothing less than a genuine living wage that reflects today’s harsh economic realities. We also demand immediate relief measures by governments at all levels until a new minimum wage is signed into law. We reject outright any attempt to tax the minimum wage or impose further burdens on the poor.”
Beyond wage concerns, the unions raised broader economic and social challenges affecting Nigerians, stating that an estimated 65 per cent of the population is living in multidimensional poverty.
They also expressed concern over insecurity across the country, noting that widespread violence and criminal activities have affected workers’ safety, including those commuting daily to workplaces.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, organised labour said it is developing a charter of demands that will guide its engagement with political actors. The unions warned that political support would be directed only towards candidates who commit to improving public services, strengthening security and implementing sustainable wage reforms.
The planned wage negotiations come amid continued debate over the impact of economic reforms, inflation and the rising cost of living on Nigerian households, with labour unions pushing for measures they say will protect workers’ welfare and preserve purchasing power.
