The call was made by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in his New Year message to workers and Nigerians, where he said organised labour would intensify pressure on the federal government to honour its commitment to paying a living wage.
Ajaero noted that while the government had promised deeper and more meaningful engagement with labour unions, any discussions must translate into wages that reflect the prevailing cost of living. He stressed that workers’ incomes should guarantee a decent life rather than mere survival.
According to him, labour’s mobilisation in 2026 would be strategic and focused on ensuring that economic burdens are reduced or fairly shared, trust rebuilt, and the hopes of Nigerians fulfilled. He added that rising inflation and widespread suffering made a wage review unavoidable, insisting that labour would pursue the demand through all legitimate means available.
Beyond wages, the NLC president urged the government to sustain and strengthen security efforts across the country, describing the protection of lives and property as a fundamental responsibility of the state. While acknowledging recent gains in security, he said authorities must build on them to guarantee peace for citizens nationwide.
Ajaero also charged workers to remain vigilant and united in the new year, assuring them that the congress would continue to organise, mobilise and hold all levels of government accountable for policies that affect living standards. He said the NLC would only support political leaders who demonstrate clear, people-centred plans and actionable commitments to lift citizens out of poverty, while rejecting policies and actors that worsen economic hardship.
Nigeria last reviewed its national minimum wage in July 2024, when it was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 following negotiations between the government and labour unions and a series of industrial actions. The adjustment was enacted through the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 in response to persistent inflation and rising living costs.
Before the 2024 review, the minimum wage had last been adjusted in 2019, when it was raised from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000 after several years without an increase.
