Nigerian state governors are considering a proposal to raise the national minimum wage to 100,000 naira per month as authorities seek ways to ease the impact of rising living costs on workers, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said on Saturday.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said discussions were ongoing between state governments, the federal government and organised labour to agree on a wage structure that would improve workers’ welfare while remaining financially sustainable.
The proposal comes amid persistent inflation and mounting economic pressure on households, with many Nigerians struggling to cope with rising food, transport and utility costs.
“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 focused on balancing improved purchasing power for workers with the ability of governments to continue funding public services and development projects.
Nigeria’s current statutory minimum wage stands at 70,000 naira per month, although some states, including Lagos, Rivers and Imo, pay above the national benchmark.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has repeatedly called for a review of wages, arguing that workers need salaries that reflect current economic realities and provide a living wage rather than basic subsistence.
Any adjustment to the national minimum wage would require negotiations involving the federal and state governments, labour unions and private sector stakeholders.