Eighty-eight years after trade unions gained legal recognition in Nigeria, labour leaders have expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions confronting workers, saying rising inflation and the cost of living have eroded the value of workers’ earnings.
The labour leaders stated this on Friday at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit 2026, held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, to commemorate 88 years of workers’ organisation and trade unionism in the country.
The summit, themed “The Rights of Workers: Decent Work and a Just Economy in Nigeria,” brought together labour leaders, government officials, workers, employers, civil society organisations and representatives of the National Industrial Court to examine the state of workers’ rights and welfare in Nigeria.
Discussions at the event focused on workers’ remuneration across the 36 states, local governments and the private sector, as participants raised concerns over inflation, rising living costs, workplace safety, discrimination, job insecurity, and the protection of casual and other non-traditional workers.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, the Deputy President of the NLC, Adewale Adeyanju (Amba), identified the national minimum wage as one of the major challenges facing Nigerian workers.
He said the current ₦70,000 minimum wage had been overtaken by economic realities, making it increasingly difficult for workers to meet their basic needs.
“The current ₦70,000 minimum wage can no longer adequately respond to the realities confronting Nigerian workers, particularly with the rising cost of living,” he said.
Amba said the expiration of the existing wage arrangement had made fresh negotiations with the Federal and State Governments imperative, urging the authorities to consider an upward review that would reflect prevailing economic conditions.
The convener of the summit and Executive Director of Call a Lawyer, Ekpa Stanley, said the event was designed not only to commemorate the history of trade unionism in Nigeria but also to critically examine the progress made and the challenges that remained.
He said, “This summit is not only about celebrating 88 years of trade unionism; it is also an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, the challenges that remain, and what must be done to guarantee decent work for Nigerian workers.”
Former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, said the concept of decent work should not be reduced to salary increases, stressing that workers’ rights, social protection and effective dialogue were equally important.
According to him, “Decent work is not only about wages. It is also about workers’ rights, social protection and meaningful social dialogue between workers, employers and government.”
Wabba urged stakeholders to adopt policies that would guarantee workers’ dignity, job security and adequate social protection, particularly amid the economic pressures facing households across the country.
Also speaking, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, assured workers in the state that his administration would implement any new national minimum wage agreed upon by the Federal Government.
The governor further promised to advocate improved remuneration for workers during discussions at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Commending civil servants for their contributions to governance and the development of the state, Idris said, “Whatever is agreed upon at the national level on the minimum wage, Kebbi State will implement it.”
The governor’s assurance came against the backdrop of renewed calls by labour leaders for a wage structure that would better reflect current economic realities and the increasing cost of basic goods and services.
The summit also emphasised the need for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety, protection against discrimination, and greater attention to workers operating outside the traditional formal employment structure.
As Nigeria marks 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism, participants said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure that decades of collective bargaining translate into tangible improvements in workers’ living and working conditions.
The summit ended with goodwill messages from labour leaders, affiliate unions and representatives of the National Industrial Court, while awards were presented to distinguished personalities, including Governor Nasir Idris, for their contributions to workers’ welfare and development.