State governors under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are proposing a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000 as discussions continue on measures to ease the economic burden facing Nigerian workers.
The proposal was disclosed by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chairs the NGF. He said the move was driven by the sharp rise in living costs, persistent inflation and growing financial pressure on workers across the country.
According to AbdulRazaq, state governments recognise the need to improve workers’ welfare in line with current economic realities.
He said governors are already consulting with the Federal Government and organised labour to develop a wage structure that improves workers’ earnings while remaining financially sustainable for governments.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” he said.
AbdulRazaq noted that ongoing consultations are aimed at ensuring any wage increase does not place excessive pressure on 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 added.
The NGF chairman explained that discussions are focused on balancing improved purchasing power for workers with the ability of governments to continue funding essential public services and infrastructure 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 said.
He stressed that while workers deserve better pay, policymakers must also consider the fiscal realities facing state governments.
If adopted, the proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage is expected to fuel nationwide debate on salaries, inflation and wider economic reforms as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising food prices, transport costs and other household expenses.
Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage currently stands at ₦70,000 per month. However, some states, including Lagos State, Rivers State and Imo State, are reported to be paying above the national benchmark.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has continued to advocate for a comprehensive salary review, arguing that workers deserve a living wage capable of meeting present-day economic demands rather than one that merely guarantees survival.
