Labour leaders demand urgent wage review as inflation and rising living costs erode workers’ purchasing power.
Labour leaders have raised concerns over the worsening economic conditions confronting Nigerian workers, saying rising inflation and the cost of living have significantly eroded the value of workers’ earnings.
They spoke on Friday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, organised to commemorate 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
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.
Discussions focused on workers’ remuneration across the 36 states, local governments and the private sector, as well as workplace safety, discrimination, job insecurity and the protection of casual and other non-traditional workers.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju, popularly known as Amba, identified the national minimum wage as one of the major challenges facing workers.
He said the ₦70,000 minimum wage had been overtaken by prevailing economic realities and could no longer adequately meet workers’ 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,” Adeyanju said.
He urged the Federal and State Governments to commence fresh wage negotiations and consider an upward review that reflects prevailing economic conditions.
The convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the event was aimed at examining the progress and challenges of trade unionism while identifying measures needed to guarantee decent work for Nigerians.
Former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said decent work should not be defined solely by salary increases, stressing the importance of workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful dialogue among workers, employers and government.
“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 called for policies that would protect workers’ dignity, job security and access to adequate social protection amid growing economic pressures.
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.
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it,” the governor said.
Idris also promised to advocate improved remuneration for workers during discussions at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The summit further called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety, protection against discrimination and greater attention to workers in informal and non-traditional employment.
Participants said the 88th anniversary of legally recognised trade unionism should serve as a reminder that decades of collective bargaining must translate into tangible improvements in workers’ living and working conditions.
The summit ended with goodwill messages from labour leaders, affiliate unions and representatives of the National Industrial Court, while awards were presented to distinguished personalities, including Governor Idris, for their contributions to workers’ welfare and development.