The Federal Government has commenced background consultations on a new national minimum wage, according to Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. He disclosed this at a capacity-building workshop for labour correspondents in Abuja. Shoretire stated that consultations were ongoing, but a date for formal negotiations had not been fixed. The government is engaging with various stakeholders to determine the new minimum wage.
The current minimum wage of N70,000 was introduced in 2024, replacing the N30,000 wage. However, labour groups have argued that rising living costs have reduced the purchasing power of the N70,000 wage. The Trade Union Side of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council has called for a new national minimum wage ahead of January 2027. They also demanded an upward review of salaries and allowances and an immediate wage award.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has backed the workers' demands, including a proposed N500,000 minimum wage and a reduction in petrol prices to N500 per litre. However, the Federal Government has not announced any figure for a new minimum wage. Shoretire stated that the ongoing consultations were broader than the minimum wage issue, involving workers in sectors with unresolved salary and allowance disputes.
The government is engaging with health, education, and other sectors to resolve wage and allowance issues. These discussions are being fast-tracked to reflect in next year's budget. Shoretire also provided an update on the labour dispute before the International Labour Organisation, filed by the Nigeria Labour Congress. The government has met the September 1 deadline to respond to outstanding issues in the complaint.
The Nigeria Labour Congress had taken its complaint to the ILO over alleged violations of workers' rights. The union alleged that workers' rights had been violated, and some trade union leaders had faced threats, assault, intimidation, and victimisation. Shoretire stated that it was within the rights of workers' organisations to seek ILO intervention when issues with the government were not being adequately resolved.
Shoretire also addressed the status of the wage award, stating that the arrangement remained in place, and the Federal Government had not issued any directive for its stoppage. Additionally, he disclosed that more incentives for workers and citizens would be announced in the coming weeks. The development comes as political parties and presidential candidates make competing proposals on wages ahead of the 2027 general election.
Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, recently proposed a N500,000 monthly living minimum wage if elected president. His proposed wage would form part of a broader programme, including uninterrupted electricity, free education, affordable housing, healthcare, and expanded social protection. Sowore stated that his agenda aimed to address the deliberate impoverishment of Nigerians through corruption, incompetence, and an economic system favouring a tiny elite.
Key points
- The Federal Government has started consultations on a new national minimum wage amid pressure from organised labour.
- The current minimum wage of N70,000 was introduced in 2024, but labour groups argue that rising living costs have reduced its purchasing power.
- Presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has proposed a N500,000 monthly living minimum wage as part of his presidential agenda.
