RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged journalists to scrutinise political parties’ economic policies and demand clear commitments to workers’ welfare ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The congress insisted that Nigerian workers deserved a living wage capable of meeting basic needs rather than relying solely on the statutory minimum wage.
NLC Assistant Secretary-General Chris Onyeka made the call on Thursday during the third annual labour conference of the Labour Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (LACAN) in Abuja.
The conference, themed The Future of Work: Minimum Wage, Economic Reforms and the 2027 Elections, brought together labour stakeholders to discuss wages, employment conditions and economic policies.
Onyeka argued that wages should reflect workers’ contributions to the economy and the rising costs of food, transportation, housing, healthcare and other essential needs.
He warned against economic reforms that prioritise financial stabilisation without adequately protecting workers’ purchasing power.
The labour leader described the approaching elections and discussions over a new national minimum wage as opportunities to place workers’ welfare at the centre of national policy debates.
He urged journalists to examine campaign promises critically and demand specific explanations of how political parties intend to improve wages, job security and social protection.
Onyeka also expressed concern about casual employment, the expansion of digital platform work and changing employment arrangements that could weaken workers’ rights.
According to him, technological advancement should create opportunities for decent employment rather than encourage exploitation or undermine collective bargaining.
He called for stronger protections for casual workers, low-income earners and other vulnerable groups whose concerns often receive limited attention in policy discussions.
The NLC official further urged labour correspondents to strengthen their professional institutions and support press freedom, noting that journalists also require fair working conditions.
He cautioned reporters against publishing unverified claims or contributing to divisions within the labour movement, particularly when covering negotiations between organised labour and the Federal Government.
His remarks come amid renewed disagreements over the timing of negotiations to replace Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage introduced in 2024.
Organised labour has demanded an earlier review, arguing that rising living costs have significantly weakened workers’ purchasing power.
The Federal Government has maintained that the next statutory review is due in June 2027.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), speaking at the same conference, urged stakeholders to balance improved remuneration with productivity, employers’ financial capacity and business sustainability.
Its Director-General, Adewale-Smat Oyerinde, warned that wage increases must be supported by realistic economic considerations to protect employment and encourage compliance.
The conference highlighted continuing disagreements over how Nigeria can improve workers’ living standards while sustaining businesses and economic growth.
