State governors across Nigeria are considering a proposal to raise the national minimum wage to N100,000 as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising inflation and worsening economic hardship on workers.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed the development on Saturday, saying discussions are ongoing between state governments, the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that balances workers’ welfare with fiscal sustainability.
According to AbdulRazaq, governors acknowledge the urgent need to improve the living conditions of workers in response to the current economic realities, including soaring food prices, transportation costs and the increasing cost of basic necessities.
He explained that while workers deserve improved remuneration, policymakers must also consider the financial realities facing state governments to ensure they can continue to meet salary obligations and execute critical development projects.
“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain development projects that directly impact citizens,” he stated.
The proposed increase from the current statutory minimum wage of N70,000 is expected to further fuel national discussions on wages, inflation and broader economic reforms. Many Nigerian workers have repeatedly argued that existing salaries can no longer adequately meet household needs amid persistent economic pressures.
Although the national benchmark remains N70,000, some states, including Lagos, Rivers and Imo, are already paying above the approved minimum wage in a bid to support workers.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued to advocate for a comprehensive salary review, insisting that Nigerian workers deserve a living wage capable of meeting present-day economic demands rather than one that merely guarantees survival.
