The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review workers’ salaries in 2026, citing the escalating inflation and widespread hardship affecting Nigerians.
In his New Year’s address to workers on Wednesday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero stressed that wages should be a living wage, ensuring not just survival but a dignified life for Nigerian workers.
“Given the rising cost of living and the suffering experienced by our people, we demand an urgent wage review. A worker’s income must guarantee life, not mere survival, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to pay living wages,” Ajaero said, adding that the NLC would pursue this through all legitimate means at its disposal.
Reflecting on 2025, Ajaero acknowledged that the year had been particularly challenging for Nigerian workers, exposing vulnerabilities in the socio-economic system.
“As we step into 2026, the Nigeria Labour Congress extends strong solidarity to every toiling hand and every citizen burdened by the weight of our current socioeconomic challenges. The past year was undeniably difficult, yet it has strengthened our resolve to fight for justice and equitable redistribution of wealth,” he said.
He noted that the challenges of the past year had not deterred the NLC from advocating for workers’ rights, and described the new year as a period of hope and renewed engagement.
“Our commitment is fortified by struggle and clarity. The Federal Government has opened a platform for dialogue through promises of meaningful engagement, secured through our collective pressure. We will engage this platform deeply, consciously, and patriotically,” Ajaero said.
He urged workers to remain vigilant and patriotic in 2026, emphasizing that the NLC would organize and mobilize to hold all tiers of government accountable.
“Our duty is clear: we must organize, mobilize, and hold every tier of government accountable. We will support only those leaders and governments with pro-people policies and actionable plans aimed at lifting Nigerians from poverty and oppression,” he added.
Ajaero further condemned manipulative politicians whose policies, rhetoric, and empty promises undermine workers’ welfare.
“We reject outright mercantilistic politicians who thrive on empty promises, divisive rhetoric, and policies that erode living standards for the benefit of a parasitic few. Our mobilization in 2026 will be strategic and tactful, for the good of the Nigerian nation,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of security and safety for all Nigerians, urging states to build on recent successes in maintaining peace.
“Peace and security are the rights of every citizen. The government should continue to consolidate achievements to ensure the safety of lives and property. We, as organized labour, embody hope and collective action. Our struggle will continue in 2026, united against attempts to divide workers and the masses,” Ajaero said.
Concluding his address, he called for unity and solidarity among workers, describing them as a potent force for national transformation and reconciliation.
“Let us enter 2026 more united, more organized, and more determined. The power of the working class is our greatest strength, and our solidarity is the key to meaningful change. We salute all workers for surviving 2025 and urge them to embrace 2026 with hope, courage, and resilience,” he said.
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