Labour leaders have called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage, arguing that the current wage can no longer meet the economic realities confronting workers amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.
The call was made during the 2026 Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, to commemorate 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, policymakers, employers, civil society organisations, workers and representatives of the National Industrial Court to discuss the future of workers’ welfare in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Amba said the ₦70,000 minimum wage has become inadequate due to the rising prices of goods and services across the country.
Representing NLC President Joe Ajaero, Amba urged the Federal Government and state governments to begin fresh negotiations on a new national minimum wage that better reflects current economic conditions.
“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 noted that the expiration of the existing wage arrangement makes renewed discussions necessary to ensure workers receive salaries that correspond with prevailing economic realities.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba said workers’ welfare should not be measured solely by the amount they earn.
According to him, decent work also includes the protection of workers’ rights, access to social protection and sustained dialogue among labour unions, 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, described the anniversary as an opportunity to review the progress made by Nigeria’s labour movement while identifying areas requiring urgent reforms.
He said the ultimate goal should be to ensure that the principles of decent work translate into tangible improvements in workers’ livelihoods and workplace conditions.
Meanwhile, Nasir Idris assured workers that the Kebbi State Government would implement any new national minimum wage agreed upon by the Federal Government.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement,” the governor stated.
Idris also pledged to advocate for improved workers’ wages during deliberations at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while commending civil servants for their contributions to governance and national development.
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Participants at the summit also examined broader labour issues, including workplace safety, discrimination, inflation, social protection and the welfare of casual and other non-traditional workers.
As Nigeria marks 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism, labour leaders maintained that the anniversary should serve as a renewed call for policies that guarantee fair compensation, stronger workers’ rights and improved working conditions.
They warned that unless wages keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living, the gains achieved through decades of collective bargaining and labour advocacy could be significantly eroded.
