NLC, TUC Demand New Minimum Wage as Inflation Bites

NLC, TUC Demand New Minimum Wage as Inflation Bites

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to begin negotiations with the Federal Government in July 2026 for a fresh minimum wage review, insisting that the current N70,000 minimum wage can no longer sustain Nigerian workers amid rising inflation and worsening economic hardship.

The labour unions disclosed their position during a joint address at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, where they called for the introduction of a “living wage” that reflects current economic realities.

According to the unions, soaring prices of food, transportation, housing, healthcare, electricity and other essential services have significantly eroded the value of workers’ earnings since the implementation of the current wage structure in 2024.

The NLC and TUC argued that while the wage increase approved by President Bola Tinubu’s administration provided temporary relief, persistent inflation and the depreciation of the naira have left millions of workers struggling to meet their basic needs.

Nigeria’s current N70,000 minimum wage was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 18, 2024, following months of negotiations between organised labour, state governors and the Federal Government.

The wage law initially provided for a three-year review cycle. However, the Federal Government later adjusted the framework, making the review period every two years, effectively setting 2026 as the next review point.

In preparation for the review, labour leaders said they would formally engage the government in July 2026 to avoid the delays and disputes that characterised 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,” the unions stated.

They added that organised labour would immediately write to the Federal Government to demand the commencement of discussions on a new wage framework.

READ ALSO:

• Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid
• Emeka Ike Files N10bn Lawsuit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide Over Voter Data Leak
• Why I Have Not Resumed as Ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri

The labour centres also strongly opposed any attempt to impose taxes on minimum wage earners, describing such proposals as anti-worker and insensitive to the current economic realities.

According to the unions, taxing low-income earners would worsen poverty and deepen hardship for millions of Nigerians already battling high living costs.

“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 labour leaders said.

Beyond wage negotiations, the unions urged federal and state governments to implement emergency relief programmes to cushion the effects of inflation on workers and vulnerable citizens.

They argued that many Nigerians are facing severe financial pressure due to rising costs of transportation, education, healthcare, rent and utilities.

According to labour leaders, waiting until the completion of wage negotiations could leave workers exposed to further economic hardship.

The NLC and TUC also used the Geneva conference to highlight Nigeria’s growing security challenges, warning that insecurity is increasingly affecting workers and economic activities across the country.

The unions said persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers have disrupted livelihoods, displaced communities and made commuting unsafe in several parts of Nigeria.

They noted that thousands of Nigerians have reportedly been killed or displaced by violence in recent months, with the situation negatively impacting productivity and national development.

Labour leaders warned that worsening insecurity could trigger wider social and industrial tensions if urgent measures are not taken to address the crisis.

The unions further expressed concern over rising poverty and unemployment, arguing that economic reforms have yet to translate into improved living standards for ordinary Nigerians.

According to organised labour, millions of citizens continue to struggle with declining purchasing power despite government efforts aimed at stabilising the economy.

The labour leaders maintained that future wage negotiations must focus on protecting workers’ real incomes rather than simply announcing nominal salary increases that are quickly eroded by inflation.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the NLC and TUC disclosed plans to develop a charter of demands that will guide their engagement with political parties and candidates.

The charter is expected to focus on key issues including security, job creation, wage reforms, healthcare, education, social protection and respect for labour rights.

The unions said support from organised labour would be reserved for political actors willing to commit to policies that improve workers’ welfare and address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

The labour organisations also accused some state governments of interfering in union affairs and attempting to undermine democratically elected labour leadership structures.

They insisted that organised labour would resist any effort to weaken union independence, stressing that workers’ rights and collective bargaining must remain protected.

The NLC and TUC maintained that the forthcoming minimum wage negotiations will be crucial in determining whether Nigerian workers receive a wage that reflects current economic realities or continue to face declining living standards amid rising inflation.

NLC, TUC Demand New Minimum Wage as Inflation Bites