The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it will begin preparations for a fresh struggle for a new national minimum wage ahead of the 2027 review, amid rising inflation and the worsening cost of living.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, disclosed this at the 7th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).
Ajaero said the removal of fuel subsidy and the depreciation of the naira had significantly increased the cost of living while weakening the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.
He said the next minimum wage review must go beyond fulfilling a statutory requirement and should reflect prevailing economic realities and the actual cost of living.
According to him, workers can no longer cope with the rising cost of food, transportation, fuel and other essential commodities on wages whose purchasing power has been significantly eroded.
The NLC also called for the payment of outstanding Peculiar Allowance and Wage Award owed to some workers, stressing that the payments were negotiated entitlements and not gifts from the government.
It urged the government to honour all agreements reached with organised labour and ensure that workers receive their outstanding benefits.
The Congress further called for a robust consequential adjustment when a new minimum wage is established, saying such an adjustment should adequately reflect the new wage structure and prevailing economic conditions.
Beyond wages, the NLC identified casualisation of labour, privatisation of public services and some economic policies as additional challenges affecting Nigerian workers.
It urged AUPCTRE to remain united and committed to protecting workers’ rights, describing the union as an important component of the organised labour movement.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the NLC also urged workers to remain united and resist attempts to divide them along ethnic, religious or political lines.
It said workers should examine the records and policies of political actors on workers’ rights and welfare before deciding who to support, stressing that political party affiliation should not be the only consideration.
The Congress commended the AUPCTRE leadership for conducting its delegates’ conference in accordance with the union’s constitution and democratic traditions.
It urged the incoming leadership to build on the achievements of its predecessors and continue to defend the interests of Nigerian workers.
The NLC pledged continued support for AUPCTRE and other affiliates of the labour movement in their efforts to protect workers’ rights and improve their welfare.
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