The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to begin negotiations for a new National Minimum Wage in July 2026, ahead of the expiration of the current wage agreement in 2027.
The decision was disclosed by TUC Deputy President, Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, during a joint media briefing with NLC officials in Geneva, Switzerland. He said organised labour was determined to avoid the delays that characterised previous wage reviews and would formally notify the government to commence discussions immediately.
Oyibo stressed that workers were seeking a living wage that reflects prevailing economic realities, including rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. He also called on governments at all levels to introduce relief measures for workers pending the conclusion of negotiations and opposed any move to impose taxes on the minimum wage.
The labour leader maintained that Nigerian workers deserve better protection from economic hardship and insisted that any new wage structure must take into account the challenges faced by low-income earners.
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Also speaking, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the current minimum wage has been overtaken by economic realities, citing soaring food prices, transportation costs and inflationary pressures.
According to him, labour’s demand extends beyond a routine wage review, emphasising the need for a realistic living wage capable of meeting the basic needs of workers and their families.
Ajaero noted that some states had already adopted wage structures above the current minimum wage, demonstrating that higher pay levels were achievable.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urged stakeholders to begin early consultations ahead of the 2027 wage review.
NECA Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said discussions should be guided by economic realities, workers’ welfare, business sustainability and productivity considerations.
He stressed that a balanced approach would benefit both workers and employers, noting that increased disposable income could boost consumer spending, support businesses and stimulate economic growth.
Oyerinde also cautioned against arbitrary wage proposals, arguing that any new minimum wage should emerge from research, dialogue and consensus among government, organised labour and employers.
