Labour leaders have raised concerns over the worsening economic hardship facing Nigerian workers, saying inflation and the rising cost of living have significantly reduced the value of workers’ earnings, 88 years after trade unions gained legal recognition in the country.
The concerns were expressed on Friday during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, to commemorate 88 years of organised labour and trade unionism in Nigeria.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, government officials, employers, workers, civil society groups and representatives of the National Industrial Court to assess the state of workers’ welfare and labour rights across the country.
Participants discussed issues affecting workers in the public and private sectors, including remuneration, inflation, rising living costs, workplace safety, discrimination, job insecurity, and the protection of casual and non-traditional employees.
Representing the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, the union’s Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), said the current ₦70,000 national minimum wage no longer meets the needs of Nigerian workers because of prevailing economic conditions.
“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living,” he said.
Adeyanju noted that the existing wage arrangement had effectively run its course, making fresh negotiations with both the Federal and State Governments necessary. He urged government authorities to consider a new minimum wage that reflects current economic realities.
The Executive Director of Call a Lawyer and convener of the summit, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was aimed at reviewing the progress made in protecting workers’ rights while identifying areas requiring urgent attention.
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“This summit is not only about celebrating 88 years of trade unionism; it is also an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, the challenges that remain, and what must be done to guarantee decent work for Nigerian workers,” he said.
Former Nigeria Labour Congress President, Ayuba Wabba, stressed that decent work should go beyond salary increases, noting that workers also deserve stronger rights, social protection and constructive engagement with employers and government.
“Decent work is not only about wages. It is also about workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful social dialogue between workers, employers and government,” Wabba said.
He called on policymakers to introduce measures that would improve workers’ welfare, guarantee job security and strengthen social protection amid the country’s economic challenges.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, also addressed the summit, assuring workers that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
He added that he would advocate better remuneration for workers during deliberations at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it,” the governor said.
Participants at the summit also called for stricter enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety standards, stronger protection against discrimination and greater attention to the welfare of workers outside the formal employment sector.
They noted that the anniversary of organised labour in Nigeria should serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure that decades of collective bargaining result in meaningful improvements in workers’ living and working conditions.
The event concluded with goodwill messages from labour leaders, affiliate unions and representatives of the National Industrial Court. Awards were also presented to individuals, including Governor Nasir Idris, in recognition of their contributions to workers’ welfare.