Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leaders have renewed calls for a review of the national minimum wage, saying the current ₦70,000 benchmark no longer reflects the economic realities facing workers across the country.

The call was made on Friday, August 7, 2026, during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where labour leaders, government representatives, employers and civil society groups gathered to discuss workers’ welfare and rights.

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The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” marked 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria and focused on issues affecting workers, including wages, inflation, workplace safety, job security and social protection.

Speaking on behalf of NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union’s Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju, said the existing wage structure had been overtaken by rising costs of essential goods and services.

“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 argued that the expiration of the current wage arrangement had created the need for renewed discussions between labour unions, the Federal Government and state authorities.

Adeyanju urged stakeholders to consider an upward adjustment that would provide workers with earnings capable of meeting basic household needs.

The NLC minimum wage debate comes amid continued concerns over inflation, reduced purchasing power and the financial pressure experienced by many Nigerian households.

The convener of the summit, Ekpa Stanley, said the gathering was an opportunity to assess the progress of workers’ rights while examining areas where more reforms were needed.

“This summit is not only about celebrating 88 years of trade unionism; it is also an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, the challenges that remain, and what must be done to guarantee decent work for Nigerian workers,” he said.

Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba stressed that improving workers’ welfare required more than increasing salaries, noting that decent employment also depended on workplace protection, social security and meaningful engagement between 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 stronger policies that would protect workers’ dignity, improve job security and extend social protection to vulnerable categories of employees.

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, who attended the summit, assured workers that the state would implement any new minimum wage agreement reached at the national level.

“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it,” the governor said.

Idris also pledged to support discussions on improved remuneration through engagements with other governors under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Beyond wages, participants at the summit highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of labour laws, safer workplaces and better protection for casual and non-traditional workers.

Labour leaders said the anniversary of trade union recognition should serve as a reminder that workers’ rights must translate into improved living standards and stronger economic security.

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The event concluded with recognition of individuals and organisations considered to have contributed to workers’ welfare, including Governor Idris, while labour stakeholders renewed calls for reforms that would improve conditions for Nigerian workers.