NLC Rallies Workers For Fresh Minimum Wage Showdown
By BASSEY BENSON
NLC Rejects Current Minimum Wage
THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on its affiliates and workers nationwide to prepare for a fresh struggle for a new national minimum wage, declaring that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer sustain Nigerian workers amid rising inflation and the high cost of living.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made the declaration at the opening of the 2026 NLC Rain School held at the Workers’ Solidarity Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The programme brought together labour leaders, political office holders and civil society stakeholders to discuss the theme, “The Working Class and the Politics of 2027: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.”
Ajaero said organised labour would soon begin negotiations for a living wage and insisted that workers must approach the discussions from a position of strength rather than weakness.
Call for Living Wage & Labour Reforms
According to the NLC president, Nigerian workers deserve wages that can provide decent housing, food, healthcare and education for their families.
He described the current minimum wage as a “poverty wage” and urged labour unions across the country to remain united and prepared for collective action during the negotiations.
Ajaero also criticised the continued delay in transmitting the tripartite-reviewed Labour Bills to the National Assembly, describing the six-year delay as a setback to workers’ rights and labour reforms.
He called on lawmakers, civil society organisations and the media to support the passage of modern labour legislation that would strengthen collective bargaining and align Nigeria with international labour standards.
Labour Links Workers’ Welfare to Governance
The NLC president argued that the country’s economic challenges were driven more by poor governance and corruption than by a shortage of national resources.
He maintained that improved transparency and prudent management of public funds would create greater opportunities to improve workers’ welfare and public services.
Ajaero also urged labour unions to intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, saying workers must remain active participants in shaping Nigeria’s political future.
Stakeholders Stress Political Education
Representing Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Rita Essien, described the annual Rain School as an important platform for strengthening labour leadership and promoting national development.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba also called for greater political education among workers and urged organised labour to build stronger political structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
He commended the NLC leadership for sustaining educational programmes such as the Rain School, saying informed workers are better equipped to defend their rights and strengthen the labour movement.
