The organised labour movement has announced plans to begin negotiations with the Federal Government on a new National Minimum Wage in July 2026.
The decision was disclosed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during a joint press conference held on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to the labour unions, the current ₦70,000 minimum wage is no longer adequate due to the prevailing economic conditions and rising cost of living in the country.
The unions noted that a fresh wage review has become necessary to ensure that workers can meet their basic needs.
Labour also welcomed recent comments by state governors acknowledging that the current minimum wage is insufficient. However, the unions advised the governors not to rush into proposing a new figure but to allow the proper negotiation process to take place.
The NLC and TUC further commended the Federal Government for restoring the payment of gratuities to retirees. They, however, urged the government to ensure that all outstanding gratuity arrears are paid.
The development comes after the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) recently proposed a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000.
The proposal was announced by the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said governors support the increase as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare amid rising living costs.
According to him, state governments are already engaging with the Federal Government and labour unions to reach an agreement that is sustainable for all parties.
AbdulRazaq also stated that the governors endorsed the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The planned negotiations are expected to focus on workers’ welfare, inflation, purchasing power and other economic issues affecting Nigerians.
