Labour Unions Demand New Minimum Wage Amid Rising Costs

The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have announced their push for a new minimum wage, arguing that the current monthly wage of N70,000 is no longer adequate for workers' survival amid rising costs of living in Nigeria. This call for a wage increase comes as the current minimum wage is set to be reviewed in July 2026, following a three-year review cycle established by law in July 2024.

Labour leaders highlighted that the existing framework fails to reflect the economic realities driven by sharp increases in food, transport, housing, and healthcare costs. They plan to formally write to the government to commence discussions ahead of the renegotiation deadline.

The unions also rejected proposals to tax the lowest earners, emphasizing that 65% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. They demand immediate relief measures from the government until a new minimum wage is established, warning that failure to address these issues could affect political support in the upcoming 2027 general elections.