The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that the current ₦70,000 national minimum wage is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of Nigerian workers, citing soaring inflation, rising living costs, and worsening economic conditions as reasons for an immediate wage review.
The call was made on Friday during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where labour leaders, government officials, employers, civil society organisations, and representatives of the National Industrial Court gathered to mark 88 years of organised trade unionism in Nigeria.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” focused on the welfare of Nigerian workers and the state of labour rights, with participants expressing concerns over declining purchasing power, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity, workplace discrimination, and the protection of workers in the informal and non-traditional employment sectors.
Representing NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Congress’ Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), said the country’s current economic realities have made the existing minimum wage inadequate.
“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 noted that the lifespan of the current wage arrangement had expired, making it necessary for organised labour to begin fresh negotiations with the Federal and State Governments. He urged authorities to approve a new minimum wage that reflects present-day economic realities and protects workers from the impact of inflation.
Convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the event was designed not only to celebrate the history of organised labour in Nigeria but also to assess progress made and identify practical solutions to improve workers’ welfare.
“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 stressed that improving workers’ welfare should go beyond salary increases.
According to him, decent work also requires the protection of workers’ rights, adequate social security, and constructive engagement between government, employers, and organised labour.
“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 urged policymakers to adopt measures that would protect workers’ dignity, strengthen job security, and expand social protection programmes to cushion the impact of current economic challenges.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris assured workers that his administration would fully implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
The governor also pledged to advocate for improved workers’ remuneration during discussions 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, safer workplaces, stronger protection against discrimination, and greater attention to workers in the informal sector.
They maintained that the 88th anniversary of organised trade unionism should serve as an opportunity to renew commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that collective bargaining results in meaningful improvements in the living and working conditions of Nigerian workers.
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