The National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO) has backed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, in calling for the immediate constitution of a National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, warning that delays could jeopardise the timely implementation of a new wage before the current one expires in July 2027.
NAPO’s National Administrative Council (NAC), in a press statement signed by its President-General, Harold Benstowe, said early negotiations were consistent with globally recognised labour practices and necessary to ensure that Nigerian workers do not experience avoidable delays in securing a new minimum wage.
The association argued that minimum wage negotiations require extensive consultations, bargaining and legislative processes, making it impractical to wait until the existing wage expires before commencing discussions. It stressed that negotiations must be concluded early enough for the National Assembly to consider the proposed wage and for the President to sign the necessary legislation into law before the effective date.
Benstowe warned that the 2027 general election period could complicate the process if negotiations were postponed. According to him, the transition from one administration to another could disrupt continuity, particularly if a new government decides to constitute a fresh negotiating team and restart discussions.
He cited the electoral transition expected in 2027 as a reason for immediate action, arguing that the incoming administration could face considerable pressure to complete negotiations, secure legislative approval and implement the new wage within a limited period following its inauguration.
The NAPO president-general likened early wage negotiations to tenancy agreements, where discussions on renewal are initiated before an existing agreement expires, saying advance preparation gives both parties sufficient time to reach an agreement and allows workers to plan ahead if new terms cannot be concluded.
The association also emphasised that minimum wage negotiations do not end with the agreement reached at the national level, noting that states must subsequently address implementation within their respective systems, adding that these additional processes make early commencement essential to achieving nationwide compliance within the required timeframe.
Expressing concern over reports of incomplete implementation of the current minimum wage, NAPO warned that postponing the next round of negotiations could prolong uncertainty for workers and undermine efforts to improve their welfare, urging the Federal Government and employers to begin preparations without waiting for the existing wage regime to expire.
Beyond the minimum wage, the association called for workers’ welfare and fuel pump prices to feature prominently in the national economic conversation ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that the next negotiation process should address the cost-of-living pressures confronting workers and the wider population, while urging organised labour to use the pre-election period to press its demands.
NAPO, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), said its National Administrative Council and members stood firmly behind Ajaero’s call for the immediate constitution of the negotiating committee.
Benstowe urged the Federal Government to act promptly, stressing that early negotiations were necessary to give the country a realistic opportunity to conclude the process and implement a new national minimum wage when due.
