The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for an urgent review of workers’ wages in 2026, stressing that current earnings no longer meet basic living needs as inflation and economic hardship persist nationwide.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made the appeal in a New Year message to workers and Nigerians, emphasizing the Congress’s commitment to pressuring the Federal Government to deliver on its promise of a living wage.
He highlighted that the government had pledged more meaningful engagement with organised labour, adding that the NLC would participate in such discussions deeply and patriotically, while stressing that wages must correspond to the cost of living.
“Our mobilisation in 2026 will be both strategic and tactful for the benefit of the Nigerian nation. Real hope for Nigerians is possible only when burdens are lifted or minimised or are equitably shared, when trust is strengthened, and hopes and dreams fulfilled and not betrayed.
“Furthermore, given the escalating inflation and suffering, we demand an urgent wage review as a worker’s income must guarantee life, not mere survival in furtherance of Mr President’s promise to pay living wages. We shall pursue this with every legitimate means at our disposal,” Ajaero said.
The NLC president also urged the government to sustain nationwide security efforts, noting that safety of lives and property remains a fundamental state responsibility.
“Security remains a fundamental right, and the primary duty of any state is to guarantee it and the safety of the property. We acknowledge recent successes. We will continue to urge the state to build on the ongoing successes as the people are deserving of peace and security wherever they live. The government should not look back,” he said.
Ajaero encouraged workers to stay vigilant and patriotic in the new year, pledging that the Congress would continue to mobilise and hold all tiers of government accountable for policies affecting living standards.
“In light of this, our primary message to workers and indeed, the citizenry, as we step into 2026, is to be vigilant and patriotic. On our part, our duty is crystal clear; we must organise, mobilise, and hold every tier of government accountable.
“We will work with and support only those governments and political actors who demonstrate, through clear, pro-people plans and actionable commitments, a genuine desire to uplift the masses from poverty and oppression. We reject outright those mercantilistic politicians whose stock-in-trade are empty promises, divisive rhetoric, and policies that decimate our living standards for the benefit of a parasitic few,” he added.
The NLC reiterated its support only for leaders committed to improving citizens’ welfare and urged workers to remain united, while continuing to advocate for fair economic policies and social justice.
Nigeria last revised its national minimum wage in July 2024, raising it from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 per month under the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, following negotiations with labour unions and industrial actions. The previous adjustment occurred in 2019, increasing the wage from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000 after years without revision.
Comments