NLC Declares N70,000 Minimum Wage Unsustainable, Rallies Workers for Fresh Pay Fight

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on its affiliates and workers across the country to prepare for a fresh campaign for a new national minimum wage, insisting that the current ₦70,000 benchmark no longer reflects the country’s economic realities.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the call on Monday while declaring open the 2026 NLC Rain School at the Workers’ Solidarity Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He said organized labour would soon begin negotiations for a living wage capable of meeting the basic needs of Nigerian workers.

Ajaero described the existing minimum wage as a “poverty wage,” arguing that soaring inflation and the rising cost of living have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power.

According to him, labour unions must approach the forthcoming negotiations from a position of strength rather than pleading for concessions. He urged all NLC affiliates and state councils to remain united and mobilized ahead of the anticipated talks.

“The battle for a living wage will soon begin in earnest,” Ajaero said, stressing that workers deserve a wage that enables them to feed their families, secure decent housing, educate their children and access healthcare with dignity.

The labour leader also cautioned against internal divisions within the workers’ movement, saying unity would be critical to achieving meaningful gains during the wage review process.

The current national minimum wage of ₦70,000 came into effect in 2024, but organized labour has consistently argued that persistent inflation and escalating living costs have rendered the wage inadequate for many Nigerian workers.

The NLC has maintained that its demand is for a realistic living wage rather than a nominal increase that fails to keep pace with economic conditions. The union has also indicated that improved welfare for pensioners will remain part of its broader advocacy during the negotiations.

Fresh negotiations on the national minimum wage are expected to commence as the review process gathers momentum, with labour leaders signaling their readiness for what they describe as a decisive struggle to secure better pay and improved welfare for Nigerian workers.