Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Federal Government has told the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that the National Minimum Wage will be due for review on June 1, 2027, insisting that any fresh negotiation now would be premature, unlawful and disruptive.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, stated this in a formal response to the communique issued at the end of the Joint Meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC last week, in which labour gave government a two-week ultimatum to reverse petrol price to between N600 and N700 per litre — the price level at the time the current N70,000 minimum wage was negotiated — and demanded commencement of a new wage review.
In a letter dated October 12, 2026 and addressed to the NLC leadership, Dingyadi said he had noted various issues raised in the communique, particularly the call for wage review and other demands bordering on welfare of workers, implementation of agreements and the state of the economy.
“I write to acknowledge receipt of the communique. On behalf of the Federal Government, I appreciate the Congress for its continued engagement and commitment to social dialogue,” he said.
Responding specifically to wage review demand, the minister said government respects right of Congress to advocate for improved conditions, but must act within law.
“The National Minimum Wage Act, 2019 as amended by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024, provides for a review of the National Minimum Wage every three years. The current National Minimum Wage of N70,000 was assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 29th July, 2024, after a painstaking tripartite negotiation process between Government, Organised Labour and Organised Private Sector,” he explained.
He stressed that by extant legal framework, lifespan of current wage will expire and become due for review on June 1, 2027.
“Commencing a fresh review exercise barely two years into implementation of current wage, which represented over 133 per cent increase from previous N30,000, would be premature, inconsistent with the law and disruptive to orderly industrial relations system envisaged by the Act,” Dingyadi stated.
The minister said government is not unmindful of economic challenges faced by workers, noting administration has demonstrated commitment through speedy conclusion and implementation of 2024 wage, ongoing enforcement of compliance by states and private sector, and palliative measures to cushion cost of living.
He listed Presidential CNG Initiative, food security interventions and other social support programmes as part of efforts.
On other demands in NLC communique, Dingyadi said Ministry has taken due note and is engaging relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to address issues within Federal Government’s purview, assuring his office remains open to constructive dialogue.
“The Federal Government remains committed to tripartism, decent work and welfare of Nigerian workers. At appropriate time, in line with Section 3(4) of the Act, Government will convene National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee to commence negotiations for next review,” he said.
He appealed to labour for understanding and collaboration in maintaining industrial peace and harmony in national interest.