• The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is considering a new national minimum wage of N100,000
• NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq disclosed that the proposal is driven by inflation and rising living costs
• The governors are consulting with the Federal Government and organised labour on a sustainable wage structure

State governors across Nigeria are considering a new national minimum wage of N100,000 as workers continue to struggle with rising living costs and persistent inflation.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this in a Facebook post on Saturday, May 30, saying discussions are ongoing to determine a wage structure that reflects current economic realities while remaining financially sustainable for governments.

According to AbdulRazaq, state governments acknowledge the growing hardship faced by workers and the need for improved remuneration.

“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” he stated.

He explained that governors are currently engaging the Federal Government and organised labour in consultations aimed at reaching a consensus on a new wage framework.

“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,” AbdulRazaq said.

The NGF chairman noted that the talks are focused on balancing workers’ welfare with the fiscal responsibilities of governments, ensuring that wage increases do not undermine the delivery of essential services and development 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 added.

AbdulRazaq stressed that while workers deserve improved earnings, policymakers must also take into account the financial realities confronting state governments.

If approved, the proposed N100,000 minimum wage could significantly reshape conversations around salaries, inflation, and economic reforms in Nigeria, where many workers have repeatedly complained that current wages can no longer cover basic household expenses.

Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage currently stands at N70,000 per month.

However, some states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, already pay above the national benchmark in efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship on workers.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has continued to advocate for a comprehensive wage review, maintaining that Nigerian workers deserve a living wage that adequately reflects present-day economic conditions rather than one that merely guarantees survival.

Lagos NLC demands N225,000 minimum wage as inflation squeezes workers

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress Lagos State Council had asked the Lagos State Government to raise the minimum wage for workers from N85,000 to N225,000, warning that the current pay can no longer match the realities of living in the state.

According to the union, the current wage structure no longer offers enough protection for workers battling rising living costs in Lagos.