The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has vowed to press for a review of the ₦70,000 minimum wage in 2026, despite the federal government approving the wage in July 2024.
This comes against the backdrop of rising costs of public transport, health services, house rents among others.
According to the Minimum Wage Act passed in 2024, the next statutory review will not take place until 2027, following President Bola Tinubu's decision to reduce the wage review cycle from five years to three years, in line with current economic realities.
In a New Year message signed by NLC President Joe Azero on Wednesday, the union demanded an immediate review of the minimum wage in line with the current economic situation of the country.
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The union said: “Given rising inflation and widespread suffering, we demand an urgent wage review, because to deliver on Mr President’s promise of a living wage, workers’ incomes must guarantee life, not just survival.
“We will pursue this through every legal means at our disposal.”
Describing 2025 as a “challenging” and “exposing our weaknesses” year, the NLC commended Nigerian workers for surviving the economic onslaught inflicted on them last year.
It said: “We are entering this new year not with naive hope, but with determination, strengthened by struggle and clarity. The promise of more loyal and meaningful engagement on the part of the Federal Government, as promised by the President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been achieved through our relentless pressure and collective voice, which has opened a possible path for dialogue. We acknowledge this platform and deeply, consciously and patriotically Will join.”
Urging workers to remain vigilant and patriotic, the NLC assured that its leadership would continue to “mobilize, mobilize and hold every level of government accountable”.
It added: “We will only work with and support governments and political actors that demonstrate a genuine desire to lift people out of poverty and oppression through clear, pro-people plans and actionable commitments.
“We vehemently reject mercurial politicians whose stock-in-trade are empty promises, divisive rhetoric and policies that destroy our quality of life for the benefit of a parasitic few.”
The union also assured workers that it will engage in tactical and strategic mobilization for the benefit of the Nigerian nation in 2026.
It states: “Real hope for Nigerians is only possible when burdens are lifted or eased, or shared equally; when faith is strong, and hopes and dreams are fulfilled, not betrayed.
“Security is a fundamental right, and the primary duty of any state is to guarantee it along with the security of life and property.
“We acknowledge recent successes and will continue to urge the state to build on ongoing efforts, as people deserve peace and security wherever they live. The government should not look back.”
“The promise of 2026 is the promise of our unwavering struggle, our collective will to refuse to be divided by the ruling elites who seek to create discord among us. We are the same people, workers and masses, united by shared oppression and fear.”
