The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are preparing to engage the Federal Government in negotiations for a new national minimum wage. The labour unions have voiced concerns that workers can no longer cope with the escalating cost of living driven by high inflation.
Unions Reject Tax on Minimum Wage
The unions have firmly rejected any proposal to tax the minimum wage or impose additional fiscal burdens on low-income earners. They made this stance known in a joint address delivered at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, June 15, 2026, as reported by The Punch.
Demand for a Genuine Living Wage
The workers are demanding a “genuine living wage” to replace the current framework, which they argue can no longer keep up with sharp increases in food, transport, housing, and healthcare costs. The unions emphasized that the upcoming negotiations must go beyond nominal wage adjustments and focus on protecting real incomes.
The agreement originally set a three-year review cycle, shifting from the previous five-year arrangement. However, in January 2025, the Federal Government announced that the minimum wage would now be reviewed every two years, effectively setting 2026 as the next review point.
Preventing Past Delays
To avoid the delays that have often hindered previous minimum wage reviews, labour leaders intend to formally open discussions with the federal government ahead of the July 2026 wage renegotiation deadline. A union representative stated, “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.”
Threat of Nationwide Strike
Recall that the NLC and TUC previously threatened a nationwide strike over insecurity and rising costs of living. The labour unions dismissed the state governors' N100,000 minimum wage proposal as unrealistic for current economic pressures. They also criticized the worsening wave of terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings across the country.
Lagos State Chapter Demands N225,000
Meanwhile, the NLC Lagos State chapter demanded a ₦225,000 minimum wage for workers during the 2026 May Day celebration. NLC Chairman Mrs Funmilayo Sessi urged the state government to urgently review salaries due to the rising cost of living and economic hardship. Lagos State government officials, including Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, acknowledged labour concerns during the May Day discussions on workers’ welfare and wage review.
