The Nigeria Labour Congress has announced its plan to advocate for a revision of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage in 2026, even though the wage was approved by the federal government in July 2024.

The labor organization based its stance on the ongoing increase in living expenses throughout the country, pointing out the rising costs of public transport, healthcare, housing, and other essential items as significant challenges for Nigerian workers.

According to the Minimum Wage Act implemented in 2024, the next official review of the wage is set for 2027, following President Bola Tinubu's decision to reduce the wage review cycle from five years to three years due to current economic conditions.

Nevertheless, in a New Year message penned by its President, Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress requested an immediate review of the existing minimum wage to reflect the deteriorating economic circumstances.

The union declared: “In light of the surging inflation and widespread hardship, we demand a prompt wage review, as workers’ earnings must ensure a decent life, not just bare survival, in line with Mr. President’s commitment to provide a living wage.

“We will pursue this through every lawful means available to us.”

The NLC referred to 2025 as a “difficult” year that “revealed our weaknesses,” while praising Nigerian workers for their perseverance amid the economic difficulties faced during the past year.

It stated: “As we enter this new year, we do so not with naive optimism, but with a strengthened determination, bolstered by struggle and clarity. The promise of more faithful and significant interaction from the federal government, as pledged by President His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, secured through our relentless advocacy and collective voice, has created an opportunity for discussion. We acknowledge this platform and will engage in it deeply, thoughtfully, and patriotically.”

In urging workers nationwide to stay alert and patriotic, the labor union assured that its leadership would continue to organize, mobilize, and hold all levels of government accountable.

It added: “We will collaborate with and support only those governments and political figures who demonstrate, through clear, pro-people strategies and actionable commitments, a genuine intention to lift the populace from poverty and oppression.

“We reject outright those profit-driven politicians whose primary focus is empty pledges, divisive language, and policies that undermine our living standards for the benefit of a parasitic few.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress also assured workers that it would engage in thoughtful and strategic mobilization in 2026 for the overall benefit of the Nigerian nation.

It stated: “True hope for Nigerians can only be realized when burdens are alleviated or fairly distributed; when trust is fortified, and aspirations and dreams are fulfilled rather than betrayed.

“Security is a basic right, and it is the primary responsibility of any state to guarantee it, alongside the safety of lives and property.

“We recognize recent achievements and will continue to encourage the state to build on ongoing efforts, as the people deserve peace and security wherever they reside. The government should not lose sight of this.

“The promise of 2026 embodies our unwavering struggle, our collective resolve to remain united against the ruling elite who aim to create discord among us. We are the same individuals, workers and the masses, united by shared oppression and fear.”