Labour Leaders Lament Rising Cost Of Living, Demand Review Of ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

Eighty-eight years after trade unions gained legal recognition in Nigeria, labour leaders have raised concerns over the worsening economic conditions facing workers, saying rising inflation and the cost of living have significantly eroded the value of their earnings.

The labour leaders spoke on Friday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, organised to commemorate 88 years of workers’ organisation and trade unionism in the country.

The summit, themed:  “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, government officials, workers, employers, civil society organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court to deliberate on the state of workers’ rights and welfare.

Participants examined issues surrounding workers’ remuneration across the 36 states, local governments and the private sector, with concerns raised over inflation, rising living costs, workplace safety, discrimination, job insecurity and the protection of casual and other non-traditional workers.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, the NLC Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju, popularly known as Amba, identified the national minimum wage as one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian workers.

Adeyanju said the ₦70,000 minimum wage had been overtaken by prevailing economic realities, making it increasingly difficult for 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.

He said the expiration of the existing wage arrangement had made fresh negotiations with the Federal and state governments necessary, urging authorities to consider an upward review that would reflect current economic conditions.

The convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the event was intended not only to commemorate the history of trade unionism in Nigeria but also to assess its achievements and the challenges that remain.

He said, “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.”

Former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, cautioned against reducing the concept of decent work to salary increases alone, stressing the importance of workers’ rights, social protection and effective dialogue.

According to him, “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 urged stakeholders to formulate policies that would protect workers’ dignity and job security while ensuring adequate social protection, particularly amid the growing economic pressures on households.

Also speaking at the summit, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured workers in the state that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage agreed upon by the federal government.

Idris also pledged to advocate improved remuneration for workers during discussions at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Commending civil servants for their contributions to governance and the development of Kebbi State, the governor said, “Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it.”

The governor’s assurance came amid renewed demands from labour leaders for a wage structure that reflects prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of basic goods and services.

The summit also called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety, protection against discrimination and greater attention to workers operating outside the traditional formal employment structure.

Participants said the 88th anniversary of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria should serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure that decades of collective bargaining translate into tangible improvements in their living and working conditions.

The summit ended with goodwill messages from labour leaders, affiliate unions and representatives of the National Industrial Court.

Awards were also presented to distinguished personalities, including Governor Idris, in recognition of their contributions to workers’ welfare and development.