NLC, TUC Demand Full Salary Pay Amid Fresh Minimum Wage Talks
Organised labour has demanded the payment of 100 per cent of workers’ basic salaries as economic hardship deepens, even as it announced plans to commence fresh negotiations on a new national minimum wage by July 2026.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) made the demands during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where labour leaders decried worsening living conditions for Nigerian workers.
In a joint address delivered by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, the unions said the interim demand for full salary payments was necessary to cushion the effects of inflation and declining purchasing power.
They noted that the current minimum wage regime, set at N70,000, has been eroded by rising cost of living, stressing the need for a new wage framework that reflects economic realities.
“As part of this resolve, we announce that the process for renegotiating the National Minimum Wage will commence by July 2026 to avoid the painful delays of the past,” the labour leaders said.
They added that pending the conclusion of the negotiations, workers should receive full basic salaries starting from July to mitigate the ongoing “crisis of survival.”
The unions painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s economy, stating that despite reported growth figures, poverty levels have continued to rise, with many workers unable to meet basic needs.
They also criticised what they described as excessive taxation on low-income earners and called on the Federal Government to provide tax reliefs.
“Stop taxing the minimum wage. Stop taxing the poor,” they said.
Labour further linked economic hardship to insecurity across the country, warning that the safety of workers has become a growing concern.
According to them, rising cases of kidnapping and violence have made commuting to work increasingly risky, with a warning that workers may be advised to limit movement if the situation worsens.
The unions also accused some state governments of failing to fully implement the current minimum wage despite improved revenues, noting that some workers marked May Day with protests instead of celebrations.
Beyond wage concerns, the labour centres raised alarm over issues in the power sector, rising fuel prices, and what they described as weakening democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They, however, reaffirmed their commitment to engaging the government and employers, while also announcing a nationwide anti-corruption campaign tagged “Stop the Bleeding.”
The event drew participation from workers across sectors, including healthcare, education, aviation, manufacturing, telecommunications, and the civil service.
