NLC, TUC seek fresh minimum wage talks with govt

The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have signaled their intent to initiate fresh negotiations for a national minimum wage by July 2026. This move comes amidst widespread economic hardship, with labor leaders demanding that workers receive 100% of their basic salaries pending the conclusion of these talks. The unions argue that the current economic climate, characterized by inflation and a declining purchasing power, necessitates an urgent review of the minimum wage, which was last set at N70,000 in July 2024.

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As part of this resolve, we announce that the process for renegotiating the National Minimum Wage, which expires early next year, will commence by July 2026, to avoid the painful delays of the past.

Speaking at the 2026 Workers' Day celebration in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo painted a grim picture of the nation's economy. They highlighted that despite official reports of economic growth, the poverty rate continues to rise, affecting approximately 65% of the population. The labor leaders contend that the economy appears to benefit only a select few, while the majority struggle with worsening living conditions due to inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.

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In addition to this and with your support, we demand that from July of this year, every worker be paid 100 per cent of his basic salary till the new national minimum wage is signed into law to cushion the effects of the renewed crisis of survival facing Nigerian workers.

The unions also voiced strong criticism regarding the current taxation policies, which they believe disproportionately burden workers and the poor. They are calling for tax reliefs to alleviate the impact of the escalating cost of living. The demand for a new minimum wage and improved economic conditions underscores the deep-seated dissatisfaction among Nigerian workers regarding their economic well-being and the government's handling of the persistent challenges.

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We are told that GDP growth may reach about 3.6 per cent, driven largely by the service sector, yet the poverty rate continues to rise to about 65 per cent of the population.