State governors across Nigeria are considering a proposal to increase the national minimum wage to N100,000 in response to the growing economic challenges facing workers.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed that discussions are ongoing among state governments, the Federal Government, and organised labour to determine a wage structure that reflects current economic realities.
According to him, the move is aimed at easing the burden on workers who have been affected by rising inflation, increasing food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
AbdulRazaq explained that while there is a need to improve workers’ earnings, government officials must also ensure that any salary increase remains sustainable for states and does not undermine their ability to fund essential services and development projects.
He noted that consultations are focused on finding a balance between boosting workers’ purchasing power and maintaining the financial stability of state governments.
The NGF chairman stressed that improving the welfare of public servants remains a priority, but cautioned that policymakers must take into account the fiscal realities facing subnational governments before reaching a final decision.
If approved, the proposed N100,000 minimum wage would represent a significant increase from the current national minimum wage of N70,000 per month.
The proposal is expected to generate further debate over wages, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to grapple with the high cost of living.
Labour unions have repeatedly called for a review of workers’ salaries, arguing that employees should earn wages capable of meeting present-day economic demands. Meanwhile, some states, including Lagos, Rivers and Imo, already pay salaries above the current national minimum wage benchmark.
