23rd September, 2026 | News

FG Responds to NLC’s ILO Complaint as Fresh Minimum Wage Talks Continue

The Federal Government has responded to a complaint filed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with the International Labour Organization (ILO), saying it met the September 1 deadline to address outstanding labour issues.

The government also disclosed that discussions on a new minimum wage and collective bargaining agreements are ongoing across several sectors, including health and education.

FG Meets ILO Deadline

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Kamil Shoretire, disclosed this on Tuesday during a training workshop for labour correspondents in Abuja.

Shoretire said Nigeria had responded to the outstanding issues raised by the ILO following the NLC’s complaint.

He explained that while the NLC had earlier petitioned the ILO over unresolved labour matters, the federal government subsequently received a deadline to provide responses to issues that remained outstanding.

According to him, the government submitted its response before the September 1 deadline.

Fresh Minimum Wage Negotiations Underway

On the proposed new minimum wage, Shoretire said the government had not yet announced a timetable for formal negotiations but confirmed that preliminary discussions were already taking place.

He said details of the proposals and negotiations would be made public when the process reaches the appropriate stage.

The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations were ongoing in several sectors.

Health, Education Wage Talks Being Fast-Tracked

Shoretire said discussions involving workers in the health and education sectors, among others, were being accelerated to ensure that agreements reached could be reflected in the 2027 budget.

He noted that the negotiations include issues relating to wages and allowances.

“Various discussions with health, education and other sectors that have lots of issues in terms of wages and allowances are ongoing,” he said.

Wage Award Still in Place

The Permanent Secretary also clarified that the existing wage award remains in place, saying the federal government has not directed that it be stopped.

He added that additional incentives for workers and citizens would be announced in the coming weeks.

The government also highlighted its focus on skills development through apprenticeship programmes and training centres. Shoretire said the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) continues to invest in developing artisanal skills.

NLC Petitioned ILO Over Labour Rights

The NLC had petitioned the ILO during the International Labour Conference in Geneva, alleging violations of workers’ rights, particularly under the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (Convention No. 98).

NLC President Joe Ajaero alleged that workers and trade union leaders had faced threats, intimidation, assault and victimisation.

The union asked the ILO committee to find Nigeria in breach of Articles 1, 2 and 4 of Convention No. 98.

Labour Ministry Calls for Accurate Reporting

Shoretire also urged journalists covering labour matters to report accurately, fairly and objectively, warning that inaccurate reports could increase tensions and undermine efforts to resolve industrial disputes.

He described the media as a strategic partner in promoting effective labour administration and industrial peace.

The Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Annah Daniel, said the ministry was committed to strengthening journalists’ capacity to report labour and employment issues.