New minimum wage: NLC asks affiliates, workers to prepare for battle ahead

…says N70,000 now poverty payBy Victor Ahiuma-YoungThe Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has asked its affiliates and workers across the country to prepare for serious battle for a new national minimum wage, declaring that the current N70,000 wage has become a “poverty wage” that can no longer meet the needs of Nigerian workers amid soaring living costs.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, gave the charge Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 NLC Rain School held at the Workers’ Solidarity Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he said organised labour would soon begin negotiations for a living wage and would not approach the talks from a position of weakness.” Representing Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Ms Rita Essien, said the annual Rain School had become an important platform for labour leaders to deepen their knowledge and contribute meaningfully to national development.