Labour to engage FG on minimum wage review

Nigeria's organized labor unions are preparing to re-engage the Federal Government in discussions over a new national minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) stated their intention to initiate negotiations soon, citing the inability of workers to cope with escalating living costs and persistent inflation.

In a joint address at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, the unions emphasized their demand for a "genuine living wage" that reflects current economic realities. They also firmly rejected any proposals to tax the minimum wage or impose additional financial burdens on low-income earners, arguing it would exacerbate poverty.

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The current Act expires early next year, and we have announced that renegotiation will commence by July 2026 to avoid the painful delays of the past. As soon as we leave here, we shall write again to the government demanding the commencement of the process for renegotiating the national minimum wage

The current minimum wage of N70,000 was established in July 2024, with an initial agreement for a three-year review cycle. However, the government later adjusted this to a two-year review, setting the next renegotiation point for July 2026. Labor leaders aim to commence discussions well before this deadline to avoid the delays that have historically plagued minimum wage adjustments.

"The current Act expires early next year, and we have announced that renegotiation will commence by July 2026 to avoid the painful delays of the past," the unions stated. They highlighted the severe pressure workers face due to inflation, currency depreciation, and rising costs for essential services, asserting that official economic indicators do not mirror the daily struggles of most households. The unions stressed that the upcoming negotiations must focus on protecting real incomes, not just nominal wage increases.

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We demand nothing less than a genuine living wage that reflects today’s harsh economic realities. We also demand immediate relief measures by governments at all levels until a new minimum wage is signed into law. We reject outright any attempt to tax the minimum wage or impose further burdens on the poor