The organised labour movement in Nigeria has announced plans to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage in July 2026, citing the rising cost of living and the need to improve workers’ welfare.
The announcement was made by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during a joint press conference on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
Labour leaders acknowledged growing concerns over the adequacy of the current ₦70,000 minimum wage, noting that many state governors have also recognised that the existing wage can no longer effectively meet the basic needs of workers amid prevailing economic realities.
Despite this recognition, the labour unions cautioned governors against independently proposing new wage figures outside the established negotiation framework.
According to the labour leaders, the review of the national minimum wage should follow due process and involve all relevant stakeholders, including government representatives, employers, and workers’ unions.
The NLC and TUC reiterated their commitment to engaging constructively in the forthcoming negotiations to ensure that Nigerian workers receive a fair and realistic wage capable of improving their standard of living.
In addition to wage discussions, organised labour called on federal and state governments to clear all outstanding gratuity arrears owed to retired workers, stressing that many pensioners continue to face hardship due to delayed payments.
The unions maintained that improving workers’ welfare goes beyond salary increases and must include prompt payment of pensions, gratuities, and other entitlements.
With negotiations expected to begin in July, labour leaders expressed optimism that the process would produce an outcome that reflects current economic conditions and addresses the challenges facing workers across the country.
The planned wage review is expected to attract significant attention from government officials, employers, and workers as discussions commence in the coming weeks.
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