The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated consultations on a new national minimum wage, with discussions already underway on proposals to enhance the earnings and welfare of Nigerian workers. According to Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, although a timetable for formal negotiations has not been announced, background consultations are ongoing.
Dr. Shoretire disclosed this information at a capacity-building workshop for labour correspondents in Abuja, stating that the consultations aim to address wage and allowance issues across various sectors. He mentioned that collective bargaining discussions are also in progress with workers in the health and education sectors. The government is fast-tracking these discussions to reflect agreed-upon changes in next year's budget.
The Federal Government has also responded to a complaint filed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The NLC had petitioned the ILO, alleging violations of workers' rights under the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949. Dr. Shoretire confirmed that Nigeria met the September 1 deadline set by the ILO to respond to outstanding issues raised in the complaint.
The NLC's petition alleged persistent violations of workers' rights, including threats, assaults, intimidation, and victimisation of trade union leaders. The union requested that the ILO Committee find Nigeria in breach of Articles 1, 2, and 4 of the convention. Dr. Shoretire noted that it is normal for workers' organisations to seek ILO intervention when issues between them and the government are not adequately addressed.
On the current wage award, Dr. Shoretire stated that the arrangement remains in place, and the government has not directed its stoppage. He also hinted that additional incentives for workers and citizens would be announced in the coming weeks. This development comes amid renewed calls from organised labour and worker groups for a review of the N70,000 national minimum wage approved in 2024.
Labour groups argue that rising living costs have eroded the purchasing power of the current wage. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Trade Union Side, has called for the immediate constitution of a committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage ahead of January 2027. However, the government has not announced a new minimum wage figure or formally opened the fresh national negotiation process.
Dr. Shoretire emphasised the government's commitment to strengthening workers' welfare while ensuring that negotiations and collective bargaining processes are properly concluded. He urged labour reporters to approach their responsibilities with accuracy, fairness, and objectivity, warning that inaccurate reporting could heighten tensions and undermine reconciliation efforts in the industrial relations space.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has started consultations on a new minimum wage ahead of fresh negotiations with labour unions.
- The government has responded to an ILO complaint filed by the Nigeria Labour Congress regarding alleged violations of workers' rights.
- Labour groups are pushing for a review of the N70,000 national minimum wage due to rising living costs.
