The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a fresh review of the national minimum wage, saying the current ₦70,000 wage has been overtaken by rising inflation and the escalating cost of living.
The demand was made on Friday, August 7, at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where labour leaders, government officials, employers, workers, civil society organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court gathered to discuss workers’ rights and welfare.
The summit, organised under the theme, “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” also examined remuneration, workplace safety, job insecurity, discrimination and the protection of casual and other non-traditional workers.
Speaking on behalf of NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union’s Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), identified the minimum wage as one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
He said the ₦70,000 wage could no longer adequately cover workers’ basic needs, given the sharp increase in the prices of food, transportation and other essential 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 said.
Amba said the expiration of the existing wage arrangement made fresh negotiations with the Federal and State Governments necessary. He urged the authorities to consider an upward review that would reflect prevailing economic conditions.
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The call came as participants at the summit raised concerns about the erosion of workers’ purchasing power and the broader economic pressures affecting households.
The convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was intended to go beyond marking 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism and provide an opportunity to assess the progress and challenges facing Nigerian workers.
“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.”
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba, however, cautioned that decent work should not be measured by wages alone.
According to him, “Decent work is not only about wages. It is also about workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful social dialogue between workers, employers and government.”
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris assured workers that the state would implement any new minimum wage agreed upon nationally.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it,” he said.
First Daily recalls that President Bola Tinubu signed Nigeria’s national minimum wage bill of ₦70,000 into law on July 29, 2024, since then labour leaders have argued for an upward review, citing inflation and high cost of living.