Governors Push For ₦100,000 Minimum Wage In Nigeria

Governors support ₦100,000 minimum wage proposal nationwide
NGF cites inflation, hardship behind fresh wage push
NLC demands urgent salary review for Nigerian workers

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has backed a proposal for a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000 as discussions continue over workers’ welfare and the rising cost of living in the country.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that

the position of the governors was disclosed on Friday by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to him, state governors agreed on the proposed figure after considering the economic realities facing Nigerian workers, including inflation and increasing living expenses.

AbdulRazaq said the governors are already engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to reach an agreement that would be sustainable for both federal and state governments.

He explained that the governors recognised the need to improve workers’ welfare while also ensuring that states can meet salary obligations without affecting other developmental responsibilities.

The NGF chairman added that the discussions on a new wage structure are expected to influence broader conversations around inflation, economic reforms and social welfare policies in the country.

He also stated that the governors endorsed the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the measures were aimed at stabilising the economy and creating long-term growth.

Naija News reports that the current national minimum wage in Nigeria is officially pegged at ₦70,000 monthly under the National Minimum Wage Act approved by President Tinubu.

However, some states, including Lagos, Rivers and Imo, currently pay salaries above the approved national benchmark.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review workers’ salaries in view of worsening economic hardship and persistent inflation across the country.

Speaking in his New Year message to workers, NLC President Joe Ajaero said Nigerian workers deserve a living wage capable of supporting decent living standards rather than mere survival.

“Given the escalating inflation and suffering, we demand an urgent wage review as a worker’s income must guarantee life, not mere survival, in furtherance of Mr President’s promise to pay living wages. We shall pursue this with every legitimate means at our disposal,” Ajaero said.

The labour leader noted that 2025 was a difficult year for workers, as many Nigerians struggled with rising prices, economic pressure and declining purchasing power.