NLC and TUC push for minimum wage renegotiation, demanding a living wage and rejecting plans to tax low-income workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to restart negotiations with the Federal Government over a new national minimum wage, insisting that Nigerian workers can no longer cope with soaring living costs and declining purchasing power.

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The labour unions made their position known in a joint address at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, where they called for a minimum wage renegotiation process that would deliver what they described as a genuine living wage capable of reflecting current economic realities.

The NLC and TUC argued that the existing N70,000 minimum wage framework has been overtaken by persistent inflation, rising transport fares, higher food prices, increasing housing costs and growing healthcare expenses.

The current minimum wage was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024 following an agreement between organised labour and the Federal Government.

Although the arrangement initially provided for a three-year review cycle, the government later revised the framework, bringing forward the next review to 2026.

Labour leaders said they intend to formally write to the government immediately to commence discussions ahead of the July 2026 review deadline, stressing the need to avoid the delays that characterised previous wage negotiations.

“The current Act expires early next year, and we have announced that renegotiation will commence by July 2026 to avoid the painful delays of the past,” the unions stated.

The labour movement also firmly rejected any proposal to tax the minimum wage, warning that such a measure would further burden workers already struggling with economic hardship.

According to the unions, the objective of the minimum wage renegotiation should not be limited to nominal salary increases but should focus on protecting workers’ real incomes from the effects of inflation and currency depreciation.

“We demand nothing less than a genuine living wage that reflects today’s harsh economic realities,” the unions said, while also calling on federal and state governments to provide immediate relief measures pending the conclusion of negotiations.

Beyond wage concerns, the labour leaders highlighted broader socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians, including insecurity, unemployment and rising poverty levels.

They warned that worsening insecurity in several parts of the country has exposed workers to increased risks during daily commutes, with kidnappings, killings and displacement disrupting livelihoods and economic activities.

The unions cited reports indicating that nearly 2,000 people were killed during the first quarter of the year, while millions have been displaced by violence, creating additional pressures on households and businesses.

Labour leaders further argued that despite ongoing economic reforms, the benefits have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in living standards for most citizens.

They estimated that around 65 per cent of Nigerians, or roughly 150 million people, are currently living in multidimensional poverty.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the NLC and TUC disclosed plans to develop a charter of demands that will guide their engagement with political parties and candidates.

The document is expected to focus on security, public services, wage reforms and the protection of workers’ rights.

The unions also expressed concern over alleged interference in labour affairs by some state governments, maintaining that organised labour would resist any attempts to undermine union independence or democratic leadership structures.

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As the 2026 review window approaches, labour leaders said securing a fair and sustainable wage structure remains their top priority, arguing that the outcome of the minimum wage renegotiation will have a significant impact on the welfare of millions of Nigerian workers.