By Oluwakemi Kindness
Labour leaders have called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage, saying the current figure no longer reflects the rising cost of living and economic realities facing workers.
The demand was made at the 2026 Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where labour leaders, government representatives, employers and civil society groups discussed workers’ welfare and decent employment.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC Deputy President, Amba, said the existing wage arrangement had become inadequate amid increasing prices of goods and services.
“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 called for renewed negotiations between labour, the Federal Government and state governments to establish a wage structure that reflects current economic conditions.
The labour leader said the expiration of the existing wage arrangement makes fresh discussions necessary to address the challenges faced by workers.
Former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said workers’ welfare should go beyond salary increases, stressing the importance of social protection, workers’ rights and meaningful engagement between labour 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.”
The summit convener, Ekpa Stanley, said the 88th anniversary of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria provided an opportunity to review progress made and identify challenges affecting workers.
Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured workers that the state would implement any new national minimum wage agreed by the Federal Government.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement.”
The summit also examined other issues affecting workers, including inflation, workplace safety, discrimination and the protection of casual workers.
Labour leaders said a wage system that keeps pace with economic realities is necessary to protect workers’ welfare and sustain the gains of decades of workers’ struggles.
