Nigeria’s organised labour has called for an urgent review of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, arguing that soaring inflation and the rising cost of living have rendered the current wage inadequate for workers.
The demand was made at the 2026 Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, held to mark 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, policymakers, employers, workers, civil society organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, the union’s Deputy President, Amba, described the minimum wage as one of the most pressing issues facing Nigerian workers.
He said the ₦70,000 minimum wage no longer reflects current economic realities and urged fresh negotiations between organised labour and the federal and state governments.
“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living.”
Amba added that with the existing wage agreement due for review, discussions should begin to establish a new minimum wage that aligns with prevailing economic conditions.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba said workers’ welfare should extend beyond salaries, stressing that decent work also requires strong labour rights, social protection and constructive engagement among workers, employers 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 Executive Director of Call a Lawyer and convener of the summit, Ekpa Stanley, said the anniversary of trade unionism offered an opportunity to assess the progress made in advancing workers’ rights while identifying areas requiring urgent attention.
He said the goal should be to ensure that the principles of decent work lead to meaningful improvements in the lives of Nigerian workers.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris pledged that the state would implement any new national minimum wage approved at the federal level.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement,” the governor said.
Idris also promised to advocate improved wages during deliberations at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while commending civil servants for their contributions to governance and national development.
Participants at the summit also discussed workplace safety, discrimination, inflation, and the protection of casual and other non-traditional workers.
Labour leaders said the 88th anniversary of legally recognised trade unionism should renew efforts to guarantee fair wages and improved working conditions, warning that decades of gains through collective bargaining could be eroded if workers’ pay continues to lag behind economic realities.
