Federal Government Begins Consultations for New Minimum Wage

The Federal Government has initiated background consultations for new negotiations regarding the national minimum wage, as disclosed by Dr Kamil Shoretire, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, during a workshop for labor correspondents in Abuja. Although no formal date has been set for the negotiations, Shoretire indicated that discussions are ongoing.

This move comes in response to increasing pressure from organized labor for a review of the current N70,000 minimum wage, which was established in 2024 after an increase from N30,000. Labor groups are advocating for a new minimum wage of N500,000 and have called for an immediate committee to negotiate ahead of January 2027.

The Nigeria Labour Congress supports these demands, including a reduction in petrol prices. Shoretire noted that consultations extend beyond minimum wage issues, addressing unresolved salary disputes in various sectors, with the aim of reflecting agreed changes in the next year's budget.