Labour leaders have renewed calls for an urgent review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage, warning that the current wage structure has been overtaken by rising inflation and the growing cost of living.
The call was made at the 2026 Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, as stakeholders gathered to mark 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
With the theme, “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” the summit brought together labour leaders, government representatives, policymakers, employers, workers, civil society organisations, and officials of the National Industrial Court to discuss the challenges facing Nigerian workers.
Representing the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, the NLC Deputy President, Amba, described the minimum wage as one of the biggest challenges confronting workers, arguing that the ₦70,000 benchmark has become insufficient amid escalating prices of goods and services.
“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living,” he said.
He called for renewed negotiations between labour unions and the Federal and State Governments, stressing that the expiration of the current wage arrangement provides an opportunity to establish a more realistic wage structure that reflects present economic conditions.
Former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, also stressed that workers’ welfare goes beyond salary payments, noting that decent work must include the protection of workers’ rights, social security, and meaningful engagement among labour, employers, and government.
“Decent work is not only about wages. It is also about workers’ rights, social protection, and meaningful social dialogue between workers, employers, and government,” Wabba said.
The Convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the anniversary of trade unionism provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Nigerian workers while identifying areas requiring urgent reforms.
He emphasised that the true measure of decent work should be seen in improved living conditions and tangible benefits for workers.
Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured workers that the state would implement any new minimum wage agreement reached at the national level.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement,” the governor said.
Idris also pledged to advocate for improved wages during engagements with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and commended civil servants for their contributions to governance and national development.
The summit also highlighted other pressing concerns affecting workers, including workplace safety, discrimination, inflation, and the protection of casual and non-traditional workers.
As Nigeria marks 88 years of recognised trade unionism, labour leaders say the milestone should serve as a renewed push for policies that guarantee fair pay, decent working conditions, and improved welfare for workers.
They warned that failure to align wages with prevailing economic realities could weaken the gains achieved through decades of workers’ advocacy, organisation, and collective bargaining.