NLC demands N500k minimum wage, says current N70k minimum wage is no longer sustainable

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will soon begin negotiations with the Federal Government for a new national minimum wage, insisting that the current N70,000 wage is no longer sustainable.

Speaking at the Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, NLC President Joe Ajaero, represented by Deputy President Audu Titus Amba, said workers should prepare for fresh negotiations.

He argued that the current minimum wage could no longer meet workers’ basic needs amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.

“Anything less than N500,000 cannot cater for workers. The current minimum wage is due for review, and we will soon begin negotiations with the government,” he said.

Also speaking, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo, represented by Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, said worsening economic conditions had eroded workers’ purchasing power.

He cited rising food prices, transport fares, rent and inflation as factors making the current wage inadequate.

President Tinubu signed the current national minimum wage bill into law on July 29, 2024, raising it from N30,000 to N70,000 per month. The legislation followed negotiations with organized labor and included a provision to review the wage structure every three years.