The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have disagreed over when negotiations for a new national minimum wage should begin, with organised labour insisting that preparations must start immediately despite the government’s position that the current wage is not due for review until June 2027.

The dispute centres on the ₦70,000 national minimum wage signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024, and the interpretation of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, as amended in 2024. The amendment reduced the statutory review interval from five years to three years. 

In a letter dated October 13, 2026, NLC President Joe Ajaero challenged the government’s position, arguing that preparatory steps should begin now. He urged the government to invite nominations and inaugurate the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee, comprising representatives of government, organised labour and employers.

Ajaero maintained that starting the process early would allow sufficient time for negotiations and help prevent delays in reaching an agreement. The union argued that preliminary discussions were distinct from immediately implementing a new minimum wage.

However, Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi, in a letter dated October 12, said the current wage would become due for review on June 1, 2027. He maintained that beginning a fresh review barely two years after implementation of the existing wage would be premature and potentially disruptive to industrial relations. 

The disagreement comes amid labour concerns over rising living costs and the declining purchasing power of workers. In its Independence Day statement, the NLC called for lower petrol prices, a nationwide wage award, tax relief and the commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage.

The union also called for the implementation of outstanding agreements affecting health and public-sector workers, warning that failure to address its demands could lead to further action. It has argued that workers need additional relief as transportation, food, rent and education costs continue to put pressure on household finances.

The immediate question remains whether the Federal Government will begin preparatory work before the June 2027 review date. While the government insists it must follow the statutory timetable, the NLC says early negotiations are necessary to avoid delays and ensure an orderly transition to any new wage agreement.