Nigeria Begins Consultations for New National Minimum Wage

The Government of Nigeria has initiated preliminary consultations to negotiate a new national minimum wage to address economic hardship for workers. Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, announced that background discussions are already ongoing during a workshop in Abuja, though the government has not yet released a formal timetable for the negotiations.

This move follows intense pressure from organized labor unions to review the N70,000 minimum wage established in 2024. Some unions are demanding a significant increase to N500,000 to combat the rising costs of food, housing, and transportation. Beyond the wage review, labor groups are calling for an immediate wage award and a reduction in petrol pump prices to N500 per litre.

In addition to the broad national wage discussions, the government is engaging with specific sectors to resolve outstanding disputes regarding salaries and allowances.