The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC said it will soon reopen negotiations with the Federal Government over a new national minimum wage, insisting that the current N70,000 wage is no longer enough to meet workers' basic needs.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who was represented by his deputy, Audu Amba, disclosed this at the Rights of Workers Summit in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. Ajaero said organised labour would demand a minimum wage of at least N500,000, citing rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.

The Trade Union Congress TUC also said rising food prices, transport fares, rent and inflation had significantly reduced workers' purchasing power. TUC President, Festus Osifo, represented by Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, urged employers to comply with labour laws and improve workers' welfare.

Meanwhile, the Network of Abuja Left Groups called on Nigerians to support organised labour's demand, arguing that higher wages would boost purchasing power and stimulate economic activity. The group said rising costs of food, transportation, electricity, cooking gas, rent, healthcare and education had made the current minimum wage increasingly inadequate.

— VANGUARD