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The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared that the current ₦70,000 national minimum wage can no longer meet the needs of Nigerian workers, citing worsening inflation and the rising cost of living as reasons for an urgent upward review.
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 organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court gathered to commemorate 88 years of organised trade unionism in Nigeria.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” examined the state of workers’ welfare and labour rights across the country, with participants expressing concern over declining purchasing power, workplace safety, job insecurity, discrimination and the protection of workers in non-traditional employment.
Representing NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Deputy President of the Congress, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), said the prevailing economic realities had rendered the existing minimum wage insufficient.
“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living,” Adeyanju said.
He added that the expiration of the existing wage arrangement made fresh negotiations with the Federal and State Governments necessary, urging authorities to approve a new wage structure that reflects current economic conditions.
Convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was intended not only to celebrate the history of organised labour but also to evaluate progress and chart a path towards improved working conditions.
“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 urged policymakers to look beyond salary increases in addressing workers’ welfare.
According to him, decent work also requires respect for workers’ rights, adequate social protection and meaningful dialogue among government, employers and labour unions.
“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.
He called for policies that would guarantee workers’ dignity, strengthen job security and provide effective social protection in the face of mounting economic pressures.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris assured workers that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
The governor also pledged to push for improved remuneration for workers during deliberations at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it,” Idris said.
Participants at the summit also called for stricter enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety, stronger protection against discrimination and greater attention to the welfare of workers outside the formal employment sector.
They said the 88th anniversary of organised trade unionism should serve as a renewed commitment to strengthening workers’ rights and ensuring that collective bargaining translates into measurable improvements in the living and working conditions of Nigerian workers.
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