The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have announced plans to begin fresh negotiations with the Federal Government on a new national minimum wage, insisting that workers are increasingly unable to cope with the rising cost of living.
The labour groups said they would push for what they described as a true living wage, arguing that the current wage structure no longer matches present economic realities as inflation continues to reduce workers’ purchasing power.
Their position was presented in a joint address at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva on Monday, where both unions also opposed any move to tax the minimum wage or introduce additional financial obligations for low-income earners.
Nigeria’s existing minimum wage of N70,000 was signed into law in July 2024 following an agreement between organised labour and the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.
Although the original arrangement provided for a three-year review cycle, the government later announced in January 2025 that reviews would now take place every two years, making 2026 the next review period.
Labour leaders said discussions with the government would begin before the July 2026 deadline to avoid delays that affected previous wage negotiations.
“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 unions stated.
They argued that workers are already under enormous strain from inflation, exchange rate pressures and the growing cost of essentials, maintaining that official economic data does not reflect the conditions faced by ordinary households.
The unions warned that applying taxes to the minimum wage would worsen poverty levels and place additional pressure on struggling citizens.
“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,” the communiqué stated.
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According to labour leaders, wage talks must focus on protecting workers’ actual income value rather than making nominal adjustments that fail to match inflation.
They also urged federal and state governments to provide temporary support measures while negotiations continue, warning that prolonged delays could increase industrial unrest.
Beyond salary concerns, organised labour used the international platform to draw attention to broader issues including insecurity, unemployment and worsening poverty.
The unions noted that insecurity across parts of Nigeria has made commuting unsafe for many workers, with killings, kidnappings and displacement affecting livelihoods and economic activity.
They claimed nearly 2,000 people lost their lives during the first quarter of the year, while millions have been displaced by violence.
Labour leaders warned that worsening security conditions could eventually push workers to withdraw from workplaces as a survival measure if urgent action is not taken.
They also stated that around 65 per cent of Nigerians — estimated at approximately 150 million people — currently live in multidimensional poverty due to inflation, unemployment and declining purchasing power.
While acknowledging ongoing economic reforms, they argued that such policies have yet to improve everyday living conditions.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, organised labour said it is preparing a charter of demands that will guide its engagement with politicians and influence which candidates receive support.
According to the unions, only political actors committed to improved security, stronger public services, wage reforms and labour protections would earn their backing.
The groups also expressed concern over alleged interference in union affairs in some states, accusing certain authorities of undermining elected labour leadership structures.
They insisted organised labour would continue to defend its independence and resist attempts to impose external control.
As the next review window approaches, the unions said their focus remains securing a wage system that reflects economic conditions and shields workers from further income erosion.