The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to reopen negotiations with the Federal Government over the national minimum wage, demanding at least ₦500,000 as workers struggle with rising food prices, transport costs and inflation.

The union said the current ₦70,000 minimum wage is no longer sufficient to meet workers’ basic needs.

NLC Sets ₦500,000 Minimum Demand

NLC President Joe Ajaero, represented by Deputy President Audu Titus Amba, disclosed the position at the Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

“Anything less than ₦500,000 cannot cater for workers. The current minimum wage is due for review, and we will soon begin negotiations with the government,” Amba said on Ajaero’s behalf.

He said the union would push for a substantial increase when negotiations begin.

TUC Backs Fresh Wage Review

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also expressed concern over the declining purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

TUC President Festus Osifo, represented by Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, cited rising food prices, transport fares, rent and other living expenses as reasons the current wage has become inadequate.

The union said the sharp increase in living costs has significantly reduced what workers can afford with their salaries.

Kebbi Governor Supports Workers

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris backed calls for improved wages, saying Nigerian workers deserve better welfare.

Idris said he would advocate for the demand through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The governor had previously approved a ₦75,000 minimum wage for workers in Kebbi State.

The Network of Abuja Left Groups also called on Nigerians to support the demand, warning that failure to agree on a new wage could worsen economic hardship.

Nigeria’s ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

President Bola Tinubu signed the ₦70,000 national minimum wage into law in July 2024, replacing the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage introduced in 2019.

The 2024 law also reduced the wage review cycle from five years to three years, meaning another review is expected sooner than under the previous arrangement.

Labour leaders have argued that inflation and the rising cost of essential goods have significantly eroded the value of the current wage.

Formal negotiations between organised labour and the Federal Government over a new figure have not yet begun, according to the statements.