Minimum Wage Review: NLC, TUC Set for New Talks With FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have disclosed plans to reopen negotiations with the Federal Government over a new national minimum wage, saying Nigerian workers are facing growing economic hardship caused by inflation and rising living expenses.

The labour unions made their position known during the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva. In a joint address, they stated that the current wage structure no longer matches the realities faced by workers across the country, especially with the increasing cost of food, transportation, housing, healthcare and other essential services.

According to the unions, the next wage review process should focus on creating a living wage capable of meeting the basic needs of workers and their families. They argued that the value of workers’ earnings has continued to decline due to inflation and currency pressures.

Nigeria’s current minimum wage of N70,000 was signed into law in July 2024 after negotiations between organised labour and the Federal Government. While the original agreement provided for a review every three years, the government later revised the arrangement and announced that wage reviews would take place every two years, making 2026 the next review period.

Labour leaders said they intend to begin discussions with the government ahead of the review deadline to avoid delays that affected previous wage negotiations. They revealed plans to formally notify the government and request the commencement of talks immediately after the international conference.

The unions also rejected any proposal to subject the minimum wage to taxation or place additional financial obligations on low-income workers. According to them, such measures would increase hardship for citizens already struggling with the high cost of living.

They maintained that any new wage agreement must take into account the actual economic conditions faced by workers rather than focusing only on nominal salary increases. Labour leaders also called on federal and state governments to introduce temporary relief measures while negotiations continue.

Beyond the issue of wages, the labour movement expressed concern about the wider economic and social challenges affecting workers. They pointed to insecurity, unemployment and increasing poverty as factors worsening living conditions across the country.

The unions said many workers now face safety risks while travelling to and from work due to insecurity in several parts of Nigeria. They noted that killings, kidnappings and displacement have affected communities and disrupted economic activities.

According to labour leaders, millions of Nigerians are currently living in poverty as inflation and job losses continue to reduce household incomes. They argued that while economic reforms may be aimed at stabilising the economy, many citizens have yet to experience improvements in their daily lives.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, organised labour said it is preparing a charter of demands that will guide its engagement with political parties and candidates. The unions stated that support would be given only to political actors willing to address insecurity, improve public services, protect workers’ rights and pursue meaningful wage reforms.

The labour groups also raised concerns about what they described as interference in union activities by some state governments. They warned against attempts to weaken labour organisations or interfere with elected union leadership.

As preparations begin for the next wage review, the NLC and TUC said their main objective is to secure a new wage structure that protects workers from the effects of inflation and provides better support for their welfare. They added that the outcome of the negotiations will play a major role in determining the future economic well-being of Nigerian workers.