- NLC and TUC seek fresh minimum wage talks with the Federal Government
- Labour unions say inflation has worsened workers’ living conditions
- Organised labour rejects plans to tax the minimum wage
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to begin discussions with the Federal Government on a new national minimum wage, arguing that the current salary structure no longer reflects the economic realities facing Nigerian workers.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the labour centres said soaring inflation and the rising cost of essential goods and services have significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power, making it increasingly difficult for many households to meet their daily needs.
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Their position was outlined in a joint statement presented during the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday. The unions called for the introduction of a living wage that adequately reflects prevailing economic conditions and firmly opposed any proposal to impose taxes on the minimum wage or introduce additional financial burdens on low-income earners.
Nigeria’s current minimum wage of N70,000 came into effect in July 2024 following negotiations between organised labour and the Federal Government. While the agreement initially provided for a review every three years, the government later revised the arrangement, announcing that wage reviews would now take place every two years, making 2026 the next review period.
In preparation for the upcoming review, labour leaders said they intend to formally engage the government well ahead of the deadline to avoid the prolonged negotiations that have characterised previous wage review exercises.
According to the unions, discussions must begin early to ensure workers are not subjected to unnecessary delays while economic conditions continue to worsen.
The labour movement maintained that inflation, currency depreciation and persistent increases in the prices of food, transportation, housing and healthcare have placed severe pressure on workers across the country. It argued that official economic statistics fail to capture the daily struggles experienced by many Nigerians.
The unions warned that introducing taxes on the minimum wage would further weaken the financial position of workers and deepen poverty levels among low-income earners.
They insisted that any new wage framework should focus on improving workers’ real income rather than merely increasing salaries on paper. According to them, a meaningful wage review must take into account the actual cost of living and the economic challenges confronting ordinary citizens.
The NLC and TUC also called on federal and state governments to implement temporary relief measures while negotiations are ongoing. They noted that such interventions would help cushion the effects of economic hardship until a new wage agreement is reached.
Beyond wage-related concerns, the unions used the international gathering to draw attention to broader national issues, including insecurity, unemployment and rising poverty.
They expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on workers, stating that incidents of kidnapping, violent attacks and displacement have made movement increasingly risky in several parts of the country. According to the labour leaders, these security challenges continue to disrupt livelihoods and reduce economic productivity.
The unions further argued that worsening insecurity could eventually force many workers to limit their movements for safety reasons, creating additional social and economic pressures.
They also pointed to growing poverty levels, claiming that millions of Nigerians are facing multidimensional deprivation due to inflation, job losses and declining purchasing power. While acknowledging ongoing economic reforms, the labour leaders said many citizens are yet to experience any meaningful improvement in their living conditions.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, organised labour revealed that it is developing a charter of demands that will guide its engagement with political parties and candidates. The document is expected to focus on issues such as security, workers’ welfare, public service delivery and the protection of labour rights.
The unions indicated that support would be given only to political actors who demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of Nigerian workers and improving the welfare of citizens.
Labour leaders also raised concerns about what they described as attempts by some state governments to interfere in union activities and undermine elected labour leadership structures. They stressed that organised labour would continue to defend its independence and resist any effort to compromise its autonomy.
As preparations begin for the 2026 minimum wage review, the NLC and TUC reiterated their determination to secure a wage structure that reflects current economic realities and protects workers from the continued erosion of their incomes.
They maintained that the outcome of the negotiations will play a crucial role in determining whether Nigerian workers receive a wage capable of supporting a decent standard of living amid the country’s economic challenges.
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