NLC Demands Immediate Talks On New Minimum Wage for 2027

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers, saying the current ₦70,000 wage has been significantly eroded by inflation.

The demand was contained in an Independence Day message issued by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, where the labour centre said negotiations for a new wage regime expected to take effect in 2027 must begin without further delay.

The NLC said the current minimum wage had lost substantial purchasing power amid rising inflation, transportation costs, food prices, rent and other essential expenses. It argued that the process for determining a new wage standard should begin early enough to allow for its formulation and legislation before the end of the year.

According to the Congress, delaying the constitution of the committee could prolong the negotiation process and affect the timely implementation of a new minimum wage regime.

The NLC’s position comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living and its impact on workers’ purchasing power. Public sector unions under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have also called for the immediate commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.

Beyond the minimum wage, Ajaero called on the Federal Government to reduce the price of petrol, arguing that high transportation costs had become a major contributor to the rising cost of living.

The Congress said petrol currently sells for about ₦1,430 per litre or higher in major cities and significantly more in some remote areas, adding that the resulting increase in transportation costs was affecting the prices of food, school fees, rent and other basic necessities.

It therefore urged the government to explore immediate measures to reduce petrol prices, describing transportation costs as a major channel through which inflation affects Nigerians.

The labour centre also demanded the immediate implementation of a nationwide wage award for workers at the federal, state and local government levels, describing it as an emergency measure to cushion the erosion of workers’ real income.

The NLC further called on the Federal Government to implement the tax relief agreed with labour during the October 2023 dialogue, saying the tax incentives contained in the Memorandum of Understanding between both parties had yet to be implemented.

It also renewed its call for a reduction in the cost of governance, urging the government to demonstrate greater transparency and restraint at a time when workers are being asked to make sacrifices.

On the broader economic situation, the NLC said Nigeria’s Independence anniversary should provide an opportunity to reflect on whether political independence had translated into economic freedom and dignity for citizens.

The Congress said the country was facing a severe cost-of-living crisis, with inflation continuing to erode wages and increase the cost of essential goods and services.

It called for increased investment in roads, hospitals, schools and other social infrastructure, noting that improved road networks would help reduce transportation costs and enhance economic efficiency.

The NLC also urged the government to create meaningful economic opportunities for young Nigerians, warning that unemployment, poverty and inequality were contributing to desperation and irregular migration.

It further linked insecurity to the country’s economic difficulties, saying farmers, teachers, doctors and other workers in some parts of the country were increasingly affected by violence.

The labour centre maintained that addressing poverty, unemployment, inequality and what it described as distributive injustice would be necessary for sustainable economic recovery.

The NLC said its demands were aimed at ensuring that the gains of independence were reflected in the living conditions of Nigerian workers and the wider population.

It pledged to continue advocating for decent wages, safe workplaces, accountability in governance and improved living conditions for Nigerian workers.

The Congress urged the Federal Government to respond to its demands, stressing that negotiations for a new minimum wage for 2027 should commence without further delay.