NLC Demands Urgent Wage Review as Nigeria Enters 2026

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an immediate nationwide wage review, warning that workers’ earnings have been eroded by soaring inflation and deteriorating living conditions.

The Congress stressed that salaries must provide “life, not mere survival” as the country begins 2026.

In a New Year message to workers and the public, the NLC noted that economic pressures in 2025 intensified hardships for ordinary Nigerians. The statement emphasized that organised labour remains committed to social justice, equitable wealth distribution, and accountable governance.

Signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, the message framed 2026 as a pivotal year for engagement with government and renewed mobilisation of workers across the nation. The Congress said it was ready to engage with the federal government following assurances from President Bola Tinubu of “faithful and meaningful engagement,” highlighting that these commitments were secured through sustained pressure from organised labour.

The NLC pledged to approach dialogue with government “deeply, consciously, and patriotically,” while affirming support only for leaders and policies that demonstrably serve the people. It warned that workers and citizens must remain vigilant, vowing to mobilise across all tiers of government to ensure accountability. The Congress condemned “mercantilist politics” driven by empty promises and policies that undermine living standards, stressing that national cohesion depends on fair economic distribution and restored public trust.

Central to labour’s demands is a comprehensive wage review that reflects current economic realities. The Congress said rising inflation has made existing salaries unsustainable, directly contradicting official commitments to a living wage. It pledged to pursue improved pay and working conditions through all legitimate avenues available to organised labour.

The statement reads in part:

“As we stand on the threshold of 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) extends strong solidarity and firm fraternal greetings to every toiling hand and every citizen burdened by the weight of our current socioeconomic system. The past year was challenging and exposed our vulnerabilities, but it did not weaken our resolve for national cohesion through equitable wealth redistribution and social justice.

Given escalating inflation and widespread hardship, we demand an urgent wage review. Workers’ incomes must guarantee life, not mere survival, in line with the President’s promise to pay living wages. We shall pursue this with every legitimate means at our disposal.

Security remains a fundamental right, and it is the primary duty of the state to guarantee the safety of lives and property. While we acknowledge recent successes, we will continue to urge the government to consolidate these gains, as Nigerians deserve peace wherever they live.

Let us therefore move forward, more united, organised, and resolute than ever. Let 2026 be the year where the power of the working class and the oppressed becomes the strongest glue holding us together. Our strength lies in our numbers, and our victory in solidarity.”

The NLC also reiterated the need for continued progress on national security, urging authorities to maintain recent gains and ensure the protection of lives and property nationwide.