Nigeria Labour Congress demands new minimum wage talks

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate formation of a tripartite committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage. NLC President Joe Ajaero stated in an Independence Day message that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage has been “already destroyed by inflation” due to rising costs for food, rent, and transportation.

The labor group is pushing for the legislative process for a new wage standard, intended for 2027, to begin before the end of this year to avoid implementation delays. This demand is echoed by public sector unions under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council.

In addition to wage negotiations, the NLC urged the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices. The organization noted that petrol costs exceeding ₦1,430 per litre in major cities are significantly driving up the cost of living and essential services.