The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an “urgent” review of workers’ wages in 2026, citing escalating inflation and worsening economic hardship across the country.
In his New Year address to workers on Wednesday, the President of the NLC, Mr. Joe Ajaero, said workers’ salaries must amount to a living wage rather than mere survival income.
“Given the escalating inflation and suffering, we demand an urgent wage review, as a worker’s income must guarantee life, not mere survival, in furtherance of Mr. President’s promise to pay living wages. We shall pursue this with every legitimate means at our disposal,” he said.
Mr. Ajaero acknowledged that 2025 was a particularly challenging year for Nigerian workers.
“As we stand on the threshold of 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress extends strong solidarity and firm fraternal greetings to every toiling hand and every citizen burdened by the weight of our current socio-economic system. The past year was no doubt challenging and exposed our vulnerabilities,” he said.
He noted, however, that the difficulties did not deter organised labour from pushing for justice and equity.
“But they did little to dip our focus or resolve in our strive for national cohesion through equitable redistribution of wealth and social justice,” he said.
According to him, 2026 ushers in renewed hope for workers, albeit anchored on vigilance and struggle rather than naïve optimism.
“We enter this new year not with naïve hope, but with a fortified resolve, strengthened by struggle and clarity,” he said.
Mr. Ajaero acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s pledge of more meaningful engagement with labour, saying it was secured through sustained pressure.
“We acknowledge this platform and will engage deeply, consciously, and patriotically,” he said.
He urged workers to remain vigilant and patriotic, warning that the NLC would mobilise to hold all tiers of government accountable.
“Our duty is crystal clear; we must organise, mobilise, and hold every tier of government accountable,” he said.
He added that the Congress would oppose politicians whose policies undermine living standards.
“We reject outright those mercantilistic politicians whose stock-in-trade are empty promises, divisive rhetoric, and policies that decimate our living standards for the benefit of a parasitic few,” he said.
Mr. Ajaero stressed that security should remain a top priority for governments at all levels.
“We acknowledge recent successes and urge the state to build on them. The people deserve peace and security wherever they live,” he said.
He concluded by calling for unity among workers in the new year.
“Let us move forward more united, more organised, and more resolved than ever before. Our power remains in our numbers, and our victory in our solidarity,” he said.
