BIRNIN KEBBI, NIGERIA — Organised Labour has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage, declaring that the current figure no longer reflects the economic realities confronting Nigerian workers amid sustained inflation and soaring living costs.
The demand was made on Friday, August 7, 2026, during the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. Organized under the theme “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” the summit brought together trade union leaders, state officials, employers, civil society organizations, and representatives of the National Industrial Court to mark 88 years of legally recognized trade unionism in Nigeria.
Key Operational Highlights
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Wage Review Demand: Representing NLC President Joe Ajaero, NLC Deputy President Adewale Adeyanju (Amba) stated that the ₦70,000 minimum wage—signed into law in July 2024—has been completely overtaken by persistent economic pressures and rising commodity prices.
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Call for Fresh Tripartite Negotiations: Labour leaders urged both the Federal and State Governments to initiate renewed talks to establish a wage structure capable of shielding workers from eroding purchasing power.
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Beyond Pay Packets: Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba emphasized that “decent work” must encompass robust social protection, workplace safety, and meaningful social dialogue—not merely cash compensation.
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Kebbi Governor’s Guarantee: Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris pledged that his administration will automatically implement any new national minimum wage agreed upon at the federal level and promised to advocate for worker-friendly pay scales within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
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│ NLC MINIMUM WAGE REVIEW DEMAND MATRIX │
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│ • Event : Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 │
│ • Location : Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State │
│ • Milestone : Commemorating 88 Years of Nigerian Trade Unionism │
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│ • Key Demand : Upward review of ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage │
│ • Primary Drivers : Persistent inflation, transportation & food costs │
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│ • Key Speakers : • Adewale Adeyanju (NLC Deputy President) │
│ • Ayuba Wabba (Former NLC President) │
│ • Dr. Nasir Idris (Governor, Kebbi State) │
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“₦70,000 Minimum Wage Can No Longer Adequately Respond to Realities”
“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living… The expiration of the existing wage arrangement makes renewed discussions necessary to establish a wage that better reflects prevailing economic conditions.” — Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), NLC Deputy President
Reflecting on broader labor principles, former NLC President Ayuba Wabba highlighted that remuneration must be matched with structural protection:
“Decent work is not only about wages. It is also about workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful social dialogue between workers, employers and government… Without a wage structure that keeps pace with economic realities, the gains of decades of workers’ organisation and collective bargaining risk being undermined.” — Ayuba Wabba, Former NLC President
“Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement… I will also continue to advocate for improved wages and better working conditions for our civil servants during discussions at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.” — Dr. Nasir Idris, Governor of Kebbi State
