NLC, TUC Push For Fresh Wage Negotiations, Demand Interim Salary Relief
Labour Signals Fresh Wage Talks
THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have announced plans to begin fresh negotiations with the Federal Government on a new National Minimum Wage by July 2026.
The disclosure was made by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and TUC President, Festus Osifo, during the 2026 May Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja.
Call for Interim Salary Adjustment
Pending the renegotiation, organised labour is demanding the immediate implementation of a 100 per cent basic salary payment for workers.
According to Ajaero, the measure is necessary to cushion the effects of rising economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.
Early Talks to Avoid Delays
Labour leaders noted that the current minimum wage agreement is set to expire early next year, stressing that early engagement would help prevent delays experienced in previous negotiations.
They urged workers nationwide to remain united in demanding what they described as a “true living wage” reflective of prevailing economic realities.
Concerns Over Economic Hardship
The unions painted a grim picture of the nation’s economic situation, estimating that about 150 million Nigerians are currently living in hardship.
Ajaero argued that official economic indicators such as GDP growth and inflation figures fail to capture the lived experiences of ordinary citizens.
Poverty, Insecurity Undermining Work
Labour further warned that rising insecurity and deepening poverty are eroding decent work conditions across the country.
According to the unions, Nigeria is caught in a cycle where insecurity fuels poverty, and poverty in turn worsens insecurity.
Call for Urgent Government Action
The labour movement stressed that the current situation requires urgent and sustained intervention rather than what it described as “empty rhetoric.”
It added that the quality of life for Nigerian workers has declined significantly, with many struggling daily to survive.
