NLC President Joe Ajaero stated the union’s position in a letter dated October 13, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi. He argued that the government should begin the process by calling for nominations and establishing the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee, which brings together representatives of the government, organised labour and employers.

The dispute centres on the interpretation of the National Minimum Wage Act and the appropriate time to begin preparations for reviewing the current ₦70,000 monthly minimum wage.

In a letter dated October 12, Dingyadi maintained that the existing minimum wage would become due for review on June 1, 2027. He argued that beginning another review process barely two years after the current wage was introduced would be premature, inconsistent with the law and potentially disruptive to industrial relations.

The minister explained that the National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, as amended by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024, provides for a three-year review cycle.

President Bola Tinubu signed the amendment into law on July 29, 2024, increasing the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 and reducing the review interval from five years to three years.

However, the NLC maintains that starting negotiations now would not mean immediately implementing a new minimum wage. Instead, the union argues that preliminary arrangements should begin early enough to allow the parties to negotiate and reach an agreement before the current wage arrangement becomes due for review.

The disagreement comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living and the pressure on workers’ purchasing power, with organised labour arguing that the current minimum wage has become increasingly inadequate in the prevailing economic climate.

On October 1, 2026, the NLC used its Independence Day statement to demand a reduction in petrol prices, a nationwide wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage.

The union subsequently issued demands to the Federal Government, warning that failure to address workers’ concerns could lead to further industrial action.

The NLC’s position reflects its broader demand for economic relief, including measures to ease transportation costs and improve workers’ take-home pay.

With the labour movement insisting that negotiations should begin without delay and the government maintaining that the review is not due until June 2027, the disagreement has raised fresh questions about when a formal tripartite negotiation process will commence.

As discussions continue, workers and labour stakeholders will be watching for signs of progress towards an agreement that addresses employees’ welfare while complying with the applicable legal framework.