NLC, TUC Demand N500,000 New Minimum Wage For Nigerian Workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have demanded a new national minimum wage of N500,000 for Nigerian workers, saying the current wage is no longer sufficient to cushion the impact of the country’s rising cost of living and economic hardship.

The National Deputy President of the NLC and President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, made the demand on Thursday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.

Amba, who represented the NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the lifespan of the current N70,000 minimum wage, negotiated between organised labour and the Federal Government, expired in July, making it necessary to commence fresh negotiations.

“We want to begin another round of negotiations with the federal government to request at least N500,000 as the new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers,” he said.

He argued that any minimum wage below N500,000 would be grossly inadequate to meet the needs of workers in view of the prevailing socioeconomic challenges and the sharp rise in the cost of living.

Amba stressed that organised labour was not seeking a confrontation with the federal government but was advocating constructive engagement to review the minimum wage in line with current economic realities and improve workers’ welfare.

He commended Kebbi State governor Nasir Idris, for providing an enabling environment for the summit, which attracted about 1,000 delegates from across the country.

According to him, participants deliberated on issues affecting Nigerian workers and the leadership of trade unions, while exploring practical solutions to improve workers’ welfare and strengthen the labour movement.

Declaring the summit open, Governor Idris reminded participants that Kebbi was the first state to implement a N75,000 minimum wage for its workers.

The governor pledged to champion organised labour’s demand for a new minimum wage at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers.