NLC, FG Head For Fresh Wage Talks As Labour Insists On ₦500,000
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is set to reopen negotiations with the Federal Government over a new national minimum wage, with organised labour insisting that workers should earn at least ₦500,000 amid rising inflation and the escalating cost of living.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this at the Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where he said the current ₦70,000 minimum wage was no longer sufficient to meet workers’ basic needs. Ajaero, who was represented by the NLC Deputy President, Audu Amba, said labour would soon return to the negotiating table with the government.
“Anything less than ₦500,000 cannot cater for workers. The current minimum wage is due for review, and we will soon begin negotiations with the government,” he said.
The demand comes amid continued increases in the prices of food, transportation, rent and other essential goods and services, which labour unions say have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power.
Also speaking at the summit, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, represented by the Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, said prevailing economic conditions had made the ₦70,000 minimum wage inadequate. He urged employers to comply with labour laws by ensuring fair remuneration and improved welfare for workers.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, expressed support for improved wages, saying Nigerian workers deserved better welfare. He pledged to support efforts to secure improved remuneration for workers.
Meanwhile, the Network of Abuja Left Groups urged Nigerians to support organised labour’s demand for a new minimum wage, describing the wage dispute as a broader struggle for economic survival and dignity rather than an issue affecting only public servants.
In a statement jointly signed by representatives of six civil society and socialist organisations, including Omole Ibukun of Creative Change Centre and Akande Daniel of Anti-Imperialist Nigeria, the group urged Nigerians to support labour as the August 11 deadline approaches.
The group argued that an increase in workers’ wages would boost purchasing power and stimulate economic activity, benefiting farmers, traders, transport operators, artisans, landlords and small business owners through increased consumer spending.
It said the rising cost of food, transportation, electricity, cooking gas, rent, medicines and school fees had substantially reduced the purchasing power of Nigerian workers, making a review of the existing wage structure imperative.