By JOAN NWAGWU

Organised Labour says the process for renegotiating the National Minimum Wage will commence in July 2026.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress(TUC) said this at the 2026 May Day celebration on Friday in Abuja with the theme,” Insecurity, Poverty- Bane of Decent Work.”

Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC said that the move was aimed at preventing delays experienced during previous wage negotiations.

Ajaero urged workers to unite in demanding a living wage that reflected prevailing economic realities across the country.

“Unity remains essential as negotiations approach, as fragmentation would weaken workers’ bargaining power.

“As wage talks near, labour warns that division will undermine workers’ collective strength.

“Labour insists unity is critical ahead of negotiations, stressing that a divided movement cannot win fair outcomes,” he said.

The NLC president demanded that workers receive 100 per cent of their basic salaries from July 2026 pending conclusion of negotiations.

He added that the demand was to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship facing Nigerian workers.

He also reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and advancing their welfare nationwide.

Ajaero said that Nigerian workers must remain united in confronting challenges affecting their livelihoods and dignity.

He added that unity remained essential as negotiations approach, noting that fragmentation would weaken workers’ bargaining power at a critical moment.

Also, speaking Mr Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, said there was a need for strengthened social dialogue platforms, including revitalisation of the National Labour Consultative Council.

According to him, labour administration reforms are also necessary to ensure fairer and more effective industrial relations in Nigeria.

Osifo warned against continued violations of labour laws by some employers and urged strict enforcement of existing regulations.

He expressed concern over refusal by some state governments to fully implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

He said that such actions undermined workers’ welfare in spite of improved government revenues in several states.

The TUC president called for accountability and compliance from both public and private sector employers.

Osifo however, condemned interference in union affairs, including attempts to impose parallel leadership structures.

He described such actions as threats to the autonomy and stability of trade unions in the country.

He reaffirmed its readiness to intensify engagement with employers to protect workers’ rights across all sectors. (NAN)

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