NLC Calls for Review of ₦70,000 Minimum Wage, Says It No Longer Meets Cost of Living

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an upward review of the nation’s ₦70,000 minimum wage, arguing that the current salary is no longer sufficient to meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers amid rising inflation and the high cost of living.

Labour leaders made the call on Friday during the 2026 Nigerian Workers’ Rights Conference held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the formal recognition of trade unions and the labour movement in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the Deputy President of the Congress, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), described the national minimum wage as one of the most pressing challenges facing workers in the country.

According to him, the ₦70,000 minimum wage, although recently approved, has been eroded by soaring inflation and the rising cost of essential goods and services, making it inadequate to sustain workers’ livelihoods. He urged the government to review and increase the wage in line with prevailing economic realities.

Also speaking at the conference, former NLC President Ayuba Wabba said improving workers’ welfare should not be limited to salary increases alone. He stressed the need to protect workers’ rights, strengthen social protection programmes, and promote meaningful dialogue among government, employers and labour unions to enhance working conditions and boost productivity across the country.