- Labour to Begin Fresh Minimum Wage Negotiations in July
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NLC and TUC say ₦70,000 is no longer sufficient
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Governors previously proposed a new ₦100,000 minimum wage
Organised labour has announced plans to begin negotiations with the Federal Government in July 2026 for a new National Minimum Wage, arguing that the current ₦70,000 wage is no longer adequate given the prevailing economic realities in the country.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the position was made known by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during a joint press conference held on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
The labour unions maintained that rising inflation and the increasing cost of living have significantly reduced the value of the current minimum wage, making a fresh review necessary.
According to labour leaders, discussions with the Federal Government are expected to focus on improving workers’ welfare and ensuring that salaries reflect current economic conditions.
The unions also welcomed recent comments by state governors acknowledging that the existing ₦70,000 minimum wage is insufficient to meet the basic needs of workers.
However, organised labour urged governors not to rush into proposing a new figure without following the established negotiation process involving all relevant stakeholders.
The workers’ representatives further commended the Federal Government for reinstating the payment of gratuities to retirees but called for the settlement of outstanding arrears to ensure beneficiaries receive their full entitlements.
The latest position comes amid growing calls for a review of workers’ salaries across the country as households continue to grapple with rising living costs.
Recently, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) proposed a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000.
The proposal was disclosed by the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said governors support efforts to improve workers’ welfare in response to current economic challenges.
According to him, state governments are already engaging with the Federal Government and labour unions to arrive at a sustainable wage structure that balances workers’ needs with fiscal realities.
AbdulRazaq stated that discussions on a new minimum wage are expected to influence broader conversations on inflation, economic reforms and workers’ welfare.
He also reaffirmed the governors’ support for the economic reform policies being implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
With labour unions and state governments now openly backing a wage review, attention is expected to shift to the upcoming negotiations, which could determine a new minimum wage framework for Nigerian workers.
