Organised labour has renewed its call for a review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage, warning that the current wage is increasingly inadequate to meet the growing cost of living and other economic pressures confronting workers.
The demand was made at the 2026 Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, as labour stakeholders marked 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
The summit, with the theme, “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, government officials, employers, workers, civil society organisations, policymakers and representatives of the National Industrial Court to deliberate on the state of workers’ rights and welfare in the country.
Representing the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, at the event, NLC Deputy President, Amba, described the existing minimum wage as one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
He said the ₦70,000 wage had been eroded by the rising prices of goods and services, stressing the need for fresh negotiations between organised labour and the Federal and State Governments.
According to him, “The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living.”
He noted that the expiration of the existing wage arrangement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reopen negotiations and work towards a new wage structure that would reflect prevailing economic realities.
Former President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, however, cautioned against reducing the question of workers’ welfare to wages alone.
Wabba said decent work must encompass fair remuneration, protection of workers’ rights, social security and effective engagement among labour, employers and government.
He stated that “Decent work is not only about wages. It is also about workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful social dialogue between workers, employers and government.”
The Convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the 88th anniversary of legally recognised trade unionism offered an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the Nigerian labour movement while identifying persistent challenges affecting workers.
He said the ultimate objective should be to ensure that the principles of decent work and workers’ rights translate into measurable improvements in the living and working conditions of Nigerians.
Also speaking, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured workers in the state that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour.
The governor said, “Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement.”
Idris further pledged to advocate for improved workers’ remuneration during deliberations at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while commending civil servants for their contributions to governance and the development of the country.
Beyond the minimum wage debate, participants at the summit examined several other issues affecting Nigerian workers, including workplace safety, discrimination, inflation, social protection and the welfare of casual and other non-traditional workers.
As Nigeria commemorates 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism, labour leaders stressed the need for governments and other stakeholders to adopt policies capable of guaranteeing fair compensation, decent working conditions and stronger protection for workers.
They warned that unless workers’ wages are periodically reviewed to reflect prevailing economic realities, the purchasing power of employees will continue to decline, potentially undermining the gains achieved through decades of trade union organisation, advocacy and collective bargaining.
