The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has proposed a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000, citing the growing economic hardship facing workers across the country amid rising inflation, soaring food prices, and an increasing cost of living.
The proposal was disclosed by the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said state governors acknowledge the urgent need to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers in response to prevailing economic realities.
According to him, discussions are ongoing between state governments, the Federal Government, and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that adequately addresses workers’ concerns while remaining sustainable for government finances.
AbdulRazaq noted that the governors are committed to finding a balanced solution that protects workers from the impact of economic pressures without placing excessive strain on public resources.
The proposed increase comes as many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising costs of food, transportation, housing, healthcare, and other basic necessities following recent economic reforms.
The development is expected to shape ongoing national conversations on workers’ welfare, salary adjustments, and broader economic policies aimed at easing the burden on households.
Nigeria’s current statutory minimum wage stands at ₦70,000 per month, a figure that many labour groups argue is no longer sufficient to meet the basic needs of workers and their families.
Several states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are reportedly paying salaries above the national minimum wage benchmark in an effort to cushion the effects of inflation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has consistently called for periodic wage reviews, insisting that workers deserve a living wage capable of sustaining decent living standards rather than merely ensuring survival.
As negotiations continue, stakeholders are expected to weigh the demands of workers against the fiscal realities facing governments at both the federal and state levels.
