The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to begin fresh negotiations with the Federal and State Governments for an upward review of workers’ salaries, insisting that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage is no longer adequate.
Speaking at the Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, NLC President Joe Ajaero, represented by the union’s Deputy President, Audu Titus Amba, said the review had become necessary following the expiration of the current minimum wage framework in July.
Ajaero stressed that the ₦70,000 benchmark was only a minimum wage and not a living wage capable of meeting the realities of Nigeria’s rising cost of living. According to him, any minimum wage below ₦500,000 would be insufficient to cater to the basic needs of workers amid the country’s prevailing economic challenges.
He clarified that the NLC was not seeking confrontation with the government but was committed to protecting workers’ welfare and ensuring that salaries reflect current economic realities. He expressed optimism that the union’s demands would receive favourable consideration.
Also speaking at the summit, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris stated that his administration was the first in the country to implement a ₦75,000 minimum wage. He assured workers in the state that his government would adopt any new minimum wage approved by the Federal Government without delay.
The governor further pledged to champion the issue at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum whenever discussions on a new wage arise, noting that civil servants remain critical to national development and deserve fair remuneration for their contributions.
Participants at the summit also commended Governor Idris for his achievements in education, agriculture, infrastructure development, and security, while acknowledging his efforts in promoting peace and stability across Kebbi State.
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