The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has rejected a fresh wage award, demanding a sustainable salary increase to improve workers' welfare and purchasing power. This decision was made at an emergency National Administrative Council meeting in Abuja. TUC Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, stated that the Congress remains committed to protecting workers' interests through collective bargaining and purposeful leadership. The demand for a salary increase follows the Federal Government's failure to fully implement the 2023 wage award agreement with organised labour.
According to the agreement reached on October 2, 2023, a wage award palliative was to run until the new minimum wage became law on July 29, 2024. However, workers received an average of only three months out of the 10 months agreed upon. Toro stated that another wage award would not provide the sustainable intervention required to improve workers' purchasing power and living standards. The Congress is demanding a salary increase, not another wage award, reaffirming its position from an October 21 press release.
Toro emphasized that the national minimum wage is a statutory floor and should not be regarded as a ceiling on workers' earnings. He acknowledged the positions of the Congress's public-sector affiliates, including SSAUTHRAI, NUAHP, and SSASCGOC, as consistent with TUC's earlier position. Workers' welfare cannot be advanced by disregarding collective bargaining rights or undermining unions' legitimate representation on conditions of service. Toro reaffirmed TUC's status as a recognised trade union centre with the mandate to represent, defend, and negotiate for its members.
The Congress will continue constructive and result-oriented engagement with the government to implement resolutions reached at its October 8, 2026 meeting in Abuja. Toro called for the removal of barriers confronting federal and state government employees, stressing the need for practical solutions to their challenges. On accountability, the NAC reaffirmed its commitment to the National Executive Council, the highest decision-making organ between delegates' conferences.
Toro urged TUC leaders to focus on securing improved salaries through stakeholder engagement rather than public exchanges, adding that workers' welfare remains non-negotiable. The Congress believes in purposeful, result-oriented leadership that delivers tangible benefits to workers rather than distractions or unsustainable interventions. This approach aims to address workers' challenges effectively.
The TUC's position aligns with its mandate to protect workers' interests and promote collective bargaining. The Congress's demand for a sustainable salary increase reflects its commitment to improving workers' welfare and purchasing power. This move is expected to impact the labour sector significantly.
The rejection of the fresh wage award and the demand for a sustainable salary increase have implications for workers in Nigeria. The TUC's engagement with the government and stakeholders will be crucial in determining the outcome of this demand. Workers' welfare remains a priority for the Congress.
Key points
- The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria demands a sustainable salary increase for workers.
- The Congress rejects another wage award, citing its unsustainability.
- TUC commits to protecting workers' interests through collective bargaining and purposeful leadership.
