Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have raised concerns over the worsening economic conditions facing Nigerian workers, warning that rising inflation and the increasing cost of living have significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers' salaries.
The labour leaders spoke on Friday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss workers' rights, welfare and the challenges confronting the Nigerian workforce.
The summit brought together labour leaders, government representatives, employees, employers, civil society organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court to deliberate on the state of workers' welfare and labour rights in the country.
Speaking on behalf of NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union's Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), identified the national minimum wage as one of the major challenges currently confronting Nigerian workers.
Adeyanju argued that the ₦70,000 minimum wage has been overtaken by economic realities, particularly as prices of food, transportation, housing and other essential commodities continue to rise.
According to him, the existing wage is no longer sufficient to enable many workers to comfortably meet their basic needs.
He said, “The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living.”
The NLC's position highlights growing concerns among organised labour over workers' declining purchasing power and the need for stronger measures to cushion the impact of inflation on Nigerian households.
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