- NLC says inflation and rising living costs have rendered the ₦70,000 minimum wage inadequate.
- Labour leaders call for fresh wage negotiations with federal and state governments.
- Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris pledges to implement any newly approved national minimum wage.
Nigeria’s organised labour has called for an urgent review of the national minimum wage, insisting that the current ₦70,000 salary benchmark is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of workers amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the demand was made on Friday during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, as labour leaders, government officials, employers, civil society groups, and workers gathered to commemorate 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
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The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” focused on the welfare of Nigerian workers, workplace rights, and the need for improved labour policies in the face of current economic realities.
Representing the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, the Deputy President of the Congress, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), said the existing ₦70,000 minimum wage had already lost its value due to persistent inflation and soaring prices of goods and services.
According to him, Nigerian workers are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs despite the recent wage adjustment.
“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 added that the existing wage arrangement had effectively run its course, making fresh negotiations with both the Federal Government and state governments necessary to establish a more realistic wage structure.
The summit also examined workers’ remuneration across Nigeria’s 36 states, local governments and the private sector. Participants expressed concerns over poor workplace safety, discrimination, job insecurity, and inadequate protection for casual and non-traditional workers.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Call a Lawyer and convener of the summit, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was intended not only to celebrate the history of trade unionism in Nigeria but also to assess the progress made and identify areas requiring urgent reforms.
He stressed that protecting workers’ rights remains essential to achieving a fair and productive economy.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba also urged policymakers to look beyond salary increases, noting that decent work encompasses workers’ rights, social protection, and constructive dialogue between governments, employers, and labour unions.
“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 called for policies that would guarantee job security, dignity, and stronger social protection for workers facing mounting economic challenges.
Meanwhile, 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 push for improved workers’ remuneration during discussions at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while commending civil servants for their contributions to governance and the development of Kebbi State.
The summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety standards, greater protection against discrimination, and better welfare for workers operating outside the formal employment sector.
Participants also urged governments at all levels to ensure that decades of collective bargaining translate into tangible improvements in workers’ living and working conditions.
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