NLC declares N70,000 as poverty wage, prepares for major confrontation

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that the current N70,000 minimum wage has been degenerated to a “poverty wage” due to soaring living costs and inflationary pressures.

Hence its affiliated unions and workers will be embarking on major talks over the minimum wage transitioning into a dignity wage.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of  the Workers’ Solidarity Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Joe Ajaero Nigeria Labour Congress president signaled that organised labour will not approach the upcoming minimum wage negotiations from a position of weakness.

 

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The annual capacity-building event gathered labour leaders, public officials, and civil society advocates to address the theme, “The Working Class and the Politics of 2027: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.”

Shift towards a living wage

Addressing delegates, Ajaero stressed the necessity of transitioning from a minimum wage framework to a dignity-centered living wage capable of meeting essential household needs.

“The battle for a living wage will soon begin in earnest,” Ajaero said. “As we discuss the politics of the future, we must remain grounded in the immediate material realities confronting our class. We are preparing for the renegotiation of the national minimum wage. The paltry sum that currently passes for a minimum wage is no longer sustainable. It is a poverty wage.”

He urged workers to maintain a unified front across state councils and industrial unions: “We must not approach the negotiating table with a begging bowl. We must demand a wage that truly enables every worker to feed, shelter, educate, and care for their family with dignity. Every affiliate must gird its loins for this struggle.”

The NLC president expressed concern over Nigeria’s continued inclusion among countries cited for severe workers’ rights violations, citing systemic suppression of union activities, collective bargaining rights, and the right to strike.

Read also:Nigeria’s minimum wage no match for N700,000 survival cost

Ajaero called on the Federal Government to immediately transmit the tripartite-reviewed Labour Bills to the National Assembly. He argued that the six-year delay in passing progressive labour legislation perpetuates regulatory loopholes and workplace exploitation.

“We have laboured, negotiated, and reached consensus. This six-year delay is a deliberate strategy to preserve the status quo of impunity. Modern labour legislation is an indispensable instrument for protecting workers’ rights and aligning Nigeria with international standards,” he noted.

Governance, public expenditure, and 2027

Reflecting on broader macroeconomic challenges, Ajaero linked systemic wage stagnation to fiscal leakages and governance deficits rather than a revenue shortfall.

“Nigeria is not broke; our wealth is being misallocated,” he stated, pointing to illicit financial flows and unaccountable public spending as key drains on resources that should fund healthcare, transport, and public infrastructure.

Regarding political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ajaero emphasized that organized labour must look beyond electoral cycles to build a sustainable, welfarist political movement.

Also speaking at the event, Ayuba Wabba, former NLC president highlighted the importance of continuous political education and structured union organization, warning against past missteps in political engagement.