The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has hinted that fresh negotiations with the Federal Government over the national minimum wage could begin soon, amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living.
The union said although it has not received a formal invitation from the government, it expects discussions on a new wage review to commence in the coming weeks.
Speaking on Saturday, the NLC’s Head of Information, Benson Upah, said no official meeting had been scheduled but noted that talks could begin “any moment soon.”
The development comes shortly after the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, called for a fresh conversation on workers’ salaries, saying inflation has significantly reduced the value of the current ₦70,000 minimum wage.
According to him, improving workers’ welfare should go beyond salary increases to include better access to affordable housing, healthcare, transportation, education, and other social support programmes.
The current minimum wage was approved in 2024 after months of tough negotiations between the Federal Government, organised labour, and employers. The process was marked by strike threats, protests, and prolonged negotiations before both sides eventually agreed on ₦70,000 following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
Before the agreement, organised labour had demanded about ₦615,000, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and rising inflation had made the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage unrealistic.
However, the government and employers insisted that the demand was beyond what the economy could sustain, leading to several rounds of bargaining before a compromise was reached.
Since the implementation of the new wage, prices of food, transportation, electricity, rent, and other basic necessities have continued to rise, leaving many workers struggling to cope.
NLC President Joe Ajaero has repeatedly maintained that Nigerian workers deserve a living wage that reflects the country’s economic realities rather than one that is quickly eroded by inflation.
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