The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have said they will begin fresh talks with the Federal Government of Nigeria on a new national minimum wage as workers continue to struggle with rising prices and the cost of living.
The two labour groups said the current wage system no longer reflects the reality faced by many workers, as food, transport, housing, and healthcare costs keep rising faster than incomes.
They are calling for a wage that can truly cover basic living needs.
Their position was presented at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, where they also rejected any idea of placing taxes on the minimum wage or adding extra financial pressure on low-income earners.
Nigeria’s present minimum wage of ₦70,000 became law in July 2024 after an agreement between labour and the government.
It was approved by President Bola Tinubu and later took effect within the same month.
At the time, both sides agreed on a three-year review cycle, but the arrangement was later changed in early 2025 to a two-year cycle.
This means the next review is expected to take place in 2026.
Based on this timeline, the labour unions said they will officially start the process ahead of the July 2026 review period.
They also said they will send a formal letter to the government requesting the start of negotiations without delay.
The unions said workers are already under heavy pressure from inflation, falling purchasing power, and the weakening value of the naira.
They added that official figures do not fully reflect the daily struggles of ordinary households.
They warned that placing taxes on minimum wage earnings would worsen hardship for workers who are already finding it difficult to meet basic needs such as food and transport.
Labour leaders also called for temporary relief measures from both federal and state governments while discussions continue, saying delays in reaching a new agreement could increase tension in the country.
Beyond wage matters, the unions raised concerns about insecurity, job losses, and poverty during the Geneva meeting.
They said violence in different parts of the country has made movement unsafe for many workers and affected productivity.
They reported that thousands of people have been killed within the year and millions displaced, with communities and businesses disrupted by ongoing insecurity.
The labour groups also stated that a large share of the population is living in poverty due to inflation, unemployment, and falling income levels, and they argued that economic reforms have not yet improved living conditions for many citizens.
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