The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have formally demanded a new national minimum wage of ₦500,000, arguing that the current wage structure is no longer sustainable for Nigerian workers amid rising living costs. The demand was announced at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where union leaders declared that the previous wage review period expired in July, paving the way for fresh negotiations with the Federal Government.
Labour's Position: ₦500,000 as a New Benchmark
Comrade Audu Titus Amba, National Deputy President of the NLC and President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), represented NLC President Joe Ajaero at the summit. Amba stated that the unions are ready to return to the negotiating table with the Federal Government to secure a new minimum wage of at least ₦500,000. He emphasized that anything below this amount would fail to address the severe financial pressures facing workers, particularly as the cost of essential goods and services continues to escalate.
“So we want to enter into another negotiation with the federal government to request at least N500,000 to be paid to the nation's workers as the new minimum wage,” Amba said. He clarified that the unions are not seeking confrontation but rather a constructive dialogue that reflects the current economic realities.
Background: From ₦70,000 to ₦500,000
The demand comes months after the Federal Government and organised labour agreed on a ₦70,000 minimum wage, which was part of the previous review cycle. Labour leaders now insist that this amount is grossly inadequate, citing inflation, currency depreciation, and the removal of fuel subsidies as factors that have eroded workers' purchasing power. Amba noted that the hardship experienced by workers across the country necessitates an urgent upward review.
The summit, which attracted approximately 1,000 delegates, focused on issues affecting Nigerian workers, including welfare, trade union rights, and strategies for improving labour conditions. The gathering served as a platform for union leaders to consolidate their demands ahead of formal negotiations with the government.
Governor Idris Pledges Support
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris addressed the summit and expressed solidarity with the unions' demand. He revealed that his administration was the first among state governments to implement a ₦75,000 minimum wage for state workers, setting a precedent for other states. Governor Idris also promised to present the unions' new wage demand at the next meeting of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, indicating potential support from sub-national governments.
The latest demand signals the start of another major minimum wage negotiation in Nigeria, with organised labour pushing for a substantial increase to help workers cope with the country's economic challenges. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for millions of public and private sector employees nationwide.
