Labour leaders have called for an urgent upward review of the national minimum wage, warning that Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power and made the current ₦70,000 minimum wage inadequate.
The call was made on Friday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, to commemorate 88 years of organised trade unionism and workers’ rights advocacy in Nigeria.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, government officials, employers, civil society organisations, workers and representatives of the National Industrial Court to examine the state of workers’ welfare and labour rights across the country.
Discussions focused on workers’ remuneration in the 36 states, local governments and the private sector, with participants expressing concern over rising inflation, the increasing cost of living, workplace safety, job insecurity, discrimination and the growing vulnerability of casual and other non-traditional workers.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, the Deputy President of the Congress, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), described the national minimum wage as one of the most pressing issues confronting Nigerian workers.
According to him, the existing ₦70,000 minimum wage has been overtaken by current economic realities and no longer enables workers to meet their basic needs.
“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living,” he said.
Adeyanju noted that with the current wage arrangement nearing expiration, fresh negotiations with the Federal and State Governments had become necessary, urging authorities to approve a wage review that reflects prevailing economic conditions.
The convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was designed not only to celebrate the history of trade unionism in Nigeria but also to assess the progress made and identify areas requiring urgent attention.
“This summit is not only about celebrating 88 years of trade unionism; it is also an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, the challenges that remain, and what must be done to guarantee decent work for Nigerian workers,” he said.
Former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, stressed that decent work extends beyond salary increases, emphasising that workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful engagement between labour, employers and government are equally essential.
“Decent work is not only about wages. It is also about workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful social dialogue between workers, employers and government,” Wabba said.
He urged policymakers to implement reforms that would guarantee workers’ dignity, strengthen job security and expand social protection programmes, particularly as many Nigerian households continue to struggle with economic hardship.
Also speaking, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured workers that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
The governor also pledged to advocate improved remuneration for workers during deliberations at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it,” Idris stated.
He commended civil servants for their contributions to governance and the development of the state, describing them as critical partners in the delivery of public services.
Participants at the summit also called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety, protection against discrimination and greater support for workers outside the traditional formal employment system.
As Nigeria marks 88 years since trade unions gained legal recognition, stakeholders said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure that decades of collective bargaining produce meaningful improvements in the living and working conditions of Nigerian workers.
The summit concluded with goodwill messages from labour leaders, affiliate unions and representatives of the National Industrial Court, while awards were presented to distinguished personalities, including Governor Nasir Idris, in recognition of their contributions to workers’ welfare and labour development.