NLC, TUC Push for Inflation-Proof Minimum Wage Formula in July Talks

Nigeria’s organised labour has signalled a fundamental change in strategy ahead of the next minimum wage review, announcing it will demand an inflation-linked, cost-of-living formula rather than a fixed figure when negotiations with the Federal Government resume in July.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) made the disclosure through their presidents, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, during the 2026 May Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja.

Labour leaders argued that the current N70,000 minimum wage, hard-won after months of confrontation in 2024, has been reduced to what Ajaero described as a “nostalgic relic” by galloping inflation and the rising cost of basic survival.

“We are no longer interested in negotiating a number that will be worthless within six months,” Ajaero said. “The next agreement must include an automatic adjustment mechanism tied to the consumer price index. Workers cannot keep coming back to the streets every two years to fight for the same thing.”

Pending the conclusion of fresh negotiations, labour is demanding an immediate 100 percent basic salary payment for all workers as interim relief, a measure Ajaero said was necessary to cushion what he estimated as severe economic hardship affecting some 150 million Nigerians.

The unions painted a grim picture of the nation’s economic landscape, arguing that official indicators such as GDP growth and inflation figures fail to capture the lived experiences of ordinary citizens. Labour warned that rising insecurity and deepening poverty are systematically eroding decent work conditions across the country.

“Nigeria is caught in a cycle where insecurity fuels poverty, and poverty in turn worsens insecurity. Work cannot be decent if the worker is hunted by insecurity, and labour cannot be productive if the labourer is hungry,” a joint union statement read.

The current minimum wage agreement is set to expire early next year. Labour leaders stressed that early engagement — beginning in July — would help prevent the protracted delays that characterised previous negotiations. The NLC and TUC have asked workers nationwide to remain united in demanding what they called a “true living wage” reflective of prevailing economic realities.

Sources: Vanguard, NewsCrackers, Daily Nigerian