State governors in Nigeria are considering raising the national minimum wage to N100,000 as inflation and the high cost of living continue to strain workers, the head of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum said.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara State and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said in a Facebook post Saturday that discussions were underway between state governments, the federal government and labor unions over a revised wage structure.
He said the talks aim to balance workers’ welfare with the financial capacity of state governments.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.
He added that consultations were ongoing to ensure any new wage arrangement would not overburden state finances.
“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances,” he said.
AbdulRazaq said the goal was to improve living standards for workers while allowing governments to continue funding infrastructure and public services.
Nigeria’s current minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month, though some states reportedly pay above the benchmark. Labor unions have long called for a wage review, arguing that current earnings are insufficient amid rising prices of food, transport and other essentials.
The proposed increase is expected to intensify national debate over wages and economic policy as Nigerians grapple with inflation and declining purchasing power.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has continued to push for a comprehensive wage review, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects current economic realities.
