The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called on the Federal Government to approve a new national minimum wage of ₦500,000 for Nigerian workers, arguing that the current economic realities have made the existing wage inadequate.
The demand was made on Thursday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, by the National Deputy President of the NLC and President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, who represented NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
According to Amba, the lifespan of the current ₦70,000 minimum wage, which was agreed upon between organised labour and the Federal Government, expired in July, making it necessary for fresh negotiations.
“So we want to enter into another negotiation with the Federal Government to request at least ₦500,000 to be paid to the nation’s workers as the new minimum wage,” Amba said.
He argued that any new minimum wage below ₦500,000 would not adequately address the financial challenges facing Nigerian workers amid rising inflation and the high cost of living.
According to him, organised labour is not seeking a confrontation with the Federal Government but is instead calling for constructive dialogue to review workers’ salaries in line with current economic conditions.
“We are not in confrontation with the Federal Government. We only want to realign for a new negotiation to review the minimum wage in line with the plight of Nigerian workers,” he stated.
Amba also commended Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, for creating an enabling environment for the summit, which attracted about 1,000 delegates from across the country.
He noted that participants discussed key issues affecting Nigerian workers, labour unions and trade union leadership, while exploring practical solutions to improve workers’ welfare.
Speaking at the event, Governor Nasir Idris reminded participants that Kebbi State was the first state in Nigeria to implement a ₦75,000 minimum wage for its workers.
The governor also pledged to present labour’s fresh demand for a ₦500,000 minimum wage during one of the meetings of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The latest demand comes as organised labour prepares for another round of negotiations with the Federal Government over a possible review of workers’ salaries amid persistent economic hardship.
