The Federal Government has commenced preliminary consultations ahead of negotiations for a new National Minimum Wage, as the existing ₦70,000 wage benchmark approaches its review period.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Kamil Shoretire, disclosed the development in Abuja during a capacity-building workshop for labour correspondents. He explained that background discussions were already taking place within government, although a formal timetable for the negotiations has not been announced.
According to Shoretire, the government will disclose details of its proposals and the negotiation process when discussions reach the appropriate stage.
He also revealed that the ministry is engaging workers in sectors where disagreements over salaries, allowances and other employment-related issues remain unresolved. Discussions involving sectors such as health and education are being accelerated, with agreed outcomes expected to inform relevant provisions in the 2027 budget.
The preparations come amid renewed calls from organised labour for a review of the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage approved in 2024. Labour representatives have argued that rising living costs have significantly affected workers’ purchasing power and have demanded a new minimum wage of ₦500,000, alongside other measures to ease economic pressures on workers.
However, the ₦500,000 figure remains a demand from organised labour and should not be interpreted as the new minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
The current ₦70,000 minimum wage replaced the previous ₦30,000 benchmark following the 2024 wage negotiations. The existing framework is due for review, creating the basis for fresh discussions among the government, organised labour and other stakeholders.
For now, the Federal Government has neither announced a new minimum wage figure nor fixed a date for formal negotiations. The ongoing consultations represent the preparatory stage of the process, with the eventual outcome expected to determine any adjustment to the national wage structure.
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The development is likely to remain a major issue for workers, employers, government and organised labour as discussions continue over wages, inflation, purchasing power and the broader cost of living in Nigeria.
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