LABOUR leaders have called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage, declaring that the current wage no longer reflects the harsh economic realities confronting workers amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living across the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the demand was made at the 2026 Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, to commemorate 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, policymakers, workers, employers, civil society organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court to deliberate on issues affecting Nigerian workers.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, the NLC Deputy President, Amba, identified the national minimum wage as one of the most pressing issues confronting workers across the country.
He said the ₦70,000 minimum wage had become grossly inadequate in view of the rising prices of goods and services, urging fresh negotiations between the Federal Government, state governments and organised labour.
“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.
According to him, the expiration of the existing wage arrangement makes renewed discussions imperative to establish a new minimum wage that better reflects prevailing economic conditions and protects workers’ purchasing power.
Former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, said workers’ welfare should not be measured solely by the size of their salaries.
He argued that decent work must also guarantee workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful engagement among labour unions, 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.
The Convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the 88th anniversary of legally recognised trade unionism offered an opportunity to assess the progress made in advancing workers’ rights while identifying areas requiring urgent attention.
According to him, the goal should be to ensure that the principles of decent work translate into tangible improvements in the lives and welfare of Nigerian workers.
Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured workers that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage agreed upon at the federal level.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement,” the governor said.
Idris also pledged to advocate for improved wages during deliberations at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), while commending civil servants for their invaluable contributions to governance and national development.
The summit also examined other critical challenges confronting workers, including workplace safety, discrimination, inflation, and the protection of casual and other non-traditional workers.
As Nigeria marks 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism, labour leaders maintained that the anniversary should serve as a renewed call for policies that guarantee fair compensation, improved working conditions and stronger protection for workers.
They warned that unless Nigeria adopts a wage structure that keeps pace with prevailing economic realities, the gains achieved through decades of trade unionism and collective bargaining could be seriously undermined.