Bolatito Mercy
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is weighing a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers, with Kwara State Governor and NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq disclosing the proposal on Saturday. According to AbdulRazaq, the move is being driven by persistent inflation, the rising cost of living, and mounting financial pressure on workers across the country. State governments are currently engaging the Federal Government and organised labour to agree on a wage structure that balances workers’ welfare with fiscal sustainability.
AbdulRazaq made the disclosure in a Facebook post and later during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, where he told the President that most states are already paying close to N100,000 today. He urged the Federal Government to discuss moving the national minimum wage to N100,000, noting that governors expect support as they implement it. The NGF chairman stressed that the proposal reflects current economic realities and the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare amid soaring food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
The current national minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month, approved in 2023 after months of negotiations between the Federal Government, governors, and labour unions. That figure was seen as a compromise aimed at balancing worker demands with state fiscal capacities. However, with inflation outpacing wage growth and Nigeria’s economy still adjusting to fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, many workers and labour unions argue that N70,000 is no longer sufficient to meet basic household needs.
The proposed N100,000 minimum wage represents a 42.8 percent increase over the existing N70,000 rate. AbdulRazaq said state governments recognise the urgent need to enhance workers’ earnings in light of prevailing economic challenges, but consultations are ongoing to ensure any new wage regime does not place excessive financial strain on states. The goal, he explained, is to strike a balance between boosting workers’ purchasing power and preserving governments’ ability to deliver critical public services and infrastructure projects.
NGF officials said discussions are focused on arriving at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances. AbdulRazaq noted that while workers deserve better remuneration, policymakers must also consider the fiscal realities confronting subnational governments. The forum’s position signals growing support among governors for Tinubu’s economic reforms, even as pressure mounts for policies that cushion the impact of those reforms on ordinary Nigerians.
The timing of the proposal comes less than two years after the N70,000 wage was adopted nationwide. Economic headwinds since 2023, including subsidy removal and currency adjustments, have driven inflation above 30 percent and eroded household purchasing power. Many workers have repeatedly expressed concerns that their current earnings cannot keep up with rising prices for food, housing, and transport, prompting renewed debate on wages and broader economic reforms.
AbdulRazaq added that the objective is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain development initiatives that directly impact citizens. He said state governments are actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure that any new wage structure is both realistic and sustainable. The NGF chairman also reiterated support for the Federal Government’s reform agenda, describing the measures as necessary for long-term economic stability and growth.
The proposal is expected to intensify national conversations around salaries, inflation, and economic policy as Nigerians continue to grapple with the cost-of-living crisis. Labour unions have historically pushed for higher wages to match inflation, while governors have often cited budget constraints and revenue challenges. The NGF’s move suggests a shift toward a higher baseline, but final agreement will depend on negotiations with the Federal Government and organised labour.
If adopted, a N100,000 minimum wage would affect millions of public sector workers and set a new benchmark for private employers. Analysts note that implementation will vary across states because of differences in revenue and expenditure profiles. Some states are already paying wages close to the proposed figure, while others may require fiscal adjustments or federal support to meet the obligation without cutting essential services.
The call for a higher minimum wage is also expected to shape ongoing negotiations over wages, inflation management, and broader economic measures in the coming months. As talks continue, the key challenge will be finding a formula that improves workers’ standard of living without undermining state finances or slowing development projects. For now, the NGF says consultations remain ongoing and a sustainable agreement is the priority.
