NLC vs FG Showdown: Will Workers Get New Minimum Wage? Oct 17 Deadline Expires Today

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

The standoff between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government over the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage reaches a critical point today, October 17, 2026, as the deadline issued by organised labour expires.

The NLC had insisted that the Federal Government must begin preparations for a new minimum wage negotiation immediately, warning that any further delay would worsen the hardship faced by Nigerian workers.

The dispute follows an exchange of letters between the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, and the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, over when the next minimum wage review should start.

According to documents made available to PM Express, the NLC President in a letter dated October 13, 2026, challenged the government’s position that it was too early to begin a fresh review. Ajaero argued that the timetable envisaged under the original National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, remained relevant despite the subsequent amendment that produced the current N70,000 wage.

He urged the Federal Government to invite nominations and inaugurate the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee, which comprises representatives of government, organised labour, and employers of labour.

“The time is now. The appropriate time is now,” Ajaero was quoted as saying in the letter, warning that further delays would aggravate the economic difficulties confronting Nigerian workers amid rising living costs and declining purchasing power.

However, the Minister of Labour and Employment, in his response dated October 12, 2026, maintained that the current N70,000 minimum wage signed into law in July 2024 would become due for review on June 1, 2027. The minister argued that opening another review process barely two years after implementation could be premature and disruptive to industrial relations.

The Federal Government also noted that it is still working to clear outstanding wage awards for civil servants, with the minister assuring that payments would be completed before mid-August.

Workers in Alimosho Lament Hardship

Meanwhile, workers and small business owners in Alimosho, Lagos State’s largest local government area, have lamented that the N70,000 minimum wage can no longer sustain them due to rising cost of fuel, food, and transportation.

In a chat with PM Express at Egbeda and Ikotun markets, Mrs. Funke Adebayo, a frozen food seller who also works as a contract staff in a private school, said she spends a large portion of her wage on transportation and power.

“Before, from Egbeda to Ikeja was N400, now it is N800. Fuel is N1,400 per litre. How will N70,000 be enough? By middle of the month, salary has finished,” she said.

Mr. Chinedu Okoro, a commercial driver in Ayobo, said many drivers who are also private workers now do double jobs to survive.

“If government can start the talk now, it will give hope. We heard inflation is now 14.63 percent according to NBS, but in market, garri, rice, everything is still expensive. N70,000 cannot carry family again,” he said.

Checks by PM Express show that petrol marketers across Lagos sell between N1,350 and N1,400 per litre, while in Abuja some stations sell up to N1,409 per litre, despite the NNPCL N66 discount initiative which reduces price to N1,339 for customers who pay through its mobile application.

What The Law Says

The National Minimum Wage Act, as amended in 2024, provides for a review every three years, but the NLC insists that preparations should start early to avoid last-minute rush and to meet its proposed implementation timeline. The Federal Government on the other hand believes the law allows for review on June 1, 2027.

Labour economists who spoke with PM Express said early preparation is standard practice globally. They noted that inaugurating the Tripartite Committee does not mean immediate increase, but signals commitment and allows data gathering on inflation, cost of living, and ability of employers to pay.

What Happens After October 17?

With the October 17 deadline expiring today, stakeholders are watching to see what next step the NLC will take. Sources within labour circles said the NLC Central Working Committee and National Executive Council may reconvene next week to decide on further actions if government fails to respond.

The NLC has not declared a strike, but has said it will explore all lawful options to press for dialogue.

The Federal Government has not yet issued an official statement as of the time of filing this report, but sources at the Ministry of Labour said the minister is open to continued engagement with labour leaders.

PM Express Will Monitor

PM Express will continue to monitor the negotiations and bring updates to our readers in Mosan-Okunola, Alimosho, and across Lagos State.

Workers are advised to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting official communication from both the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get additional comments from the Federal Ministry of Labour and the NLC headquarters in Abuja were still ongoing.