June 17, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to reopen negotiations with the Federal Government on a new national minimum wage, arguing that the current wage structure can no longer cushion workers against rising living costs.
Speaking at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, the labour centres called for a “genuine living wage” that reflects current economic realities, citing soaring food, transport, housing and healthcare costs. They also rejected any proposal to tax the minimum wage or impose additional fiscal burdens on low-income earners.
Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage was signed into law in July 2024 following an agreement between organised labour and the Federal Government. While the law initially provided for a three-year review cycle, the government later revised the framework to allow reviews every two years, making 2026 the next review period.
The unions said they would formally engage the government ahead of the July 2026 deadline to avoid the delays that characterised previous wage reviews.
“The current Act expires early next year, and renegotiation will commence by July 2026. We will immediately write to the government demanding the start of the process”, the unions said.
Labour leaders noted that inflation, currency depreciation and rising costs have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power, insisting that wage negotiations must focus on protecting real incomes rather than merely increasing nominal pay.
They also called on federal and state governments to introduce temporary relief measures pending the conclusion of negotiations, warning that delays could heighten industrial tensions.
Beyond wage issues, the unions raised concerns over insecurity, unemployment and rising poverty, arguing that economic reforms have yet to improve living standards for most Nigerians. They maintained that the outcome of the upcoming negotiations would determine whether workers receive a true living wage or continue to grapple with worsening economic hardship.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
