State governors across Nigeria are weighing the possibility of introducing a new national minimum wage of N100,000 as workers continue to face the impact of rising inflation and increasing living costs.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, revealed that discussions are ongoing among state governments, the Federal Government, and organised labour to reach a consensus on a sustainable wage structure.
According to AbdulRazaq, the proposal reflects growing concerns over the economic challenges confronting Nigerian workers. He explained that governors recognise the need to improve workers’ welfare while also ensuring that state finances remain stable.
Furthermore, he noted that stakeholders are carefully examining options that would strengthen workers’ purchasing power without undermining the ability of governments to fund critical infrastructure projects and public services. The consultations, he added, aim to strike a balance between enhancing employee welfare and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The proposed wage increase comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with soaring food prices, transportation expenses, and other essential household costs. Consequently, calls for salary reviews have intensified across different sectors of the economy.
Although Nigeria’s current statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month, several states have already adopted higher pay structures to cushion the effects of economic hardship on workers.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has continued to advocate for a comprehensive wage review, arguing that workers deserve salaries that reflect present-day economic realities. As negotiations progress, the proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to remain a major topic in national discussions on economic reforms and workers’ welfare.
