The House of Representatives is currently reviewing a new bill that seeks to guarantee a minimum daily wage of ₦3,500 for unskilled workers engaged in government-backed rural development projects.
The proposal, titled National Integrated Rural Development Bill 2025, aims to address widespread poverty and underdevelopment in Nigeria’s rural communities by creating structured employment opportunities and improving living conditions.
Sponsored by Marcus Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State, the bill has passed its first reading and is expected to be debated for the second time in the coming weeks.
If passed, the legislation would establish the National Integrated Rural Development Agency, responsible for coordinating rural projects, overseeing implementation, promoting innovation, and evaluating outcomes.
A key provision in the bill guarantees at least 100 days of paid employment each year for adults in rural households who volunteer for unskilled manual work on local development projects. Each worker would earn ₦3,500 per day, with one-third of available positions reserved for women.
According to the draft document, the initiative’s broader goals include reducing rural poverty, improving agricultural productivity, expanding access to basic services like healthcare and education, and encouraging community participation in development planning.
The proposed agency would operate under a governing council chaired by a presidential appointee, nominated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. In addition, revenue generated by the agency would be tax-exempt, and contributions to its fund would qualify as tax-deductible.
Speaking on the importance of the bill, Onobun said it provides a legal framework to drive long-term, coordinated rural development across the country. He explained that the measure is designed to rebuild infrastructure, promote inclusive growth, and create economic opportunities in neglected communities.
Experts say the bill comes at a time when poverty remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s countryside, where nearly half of the population lives. Despite numerous past government programmes, weak implementation and corruption have hindered lasting progress.
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the UNDP show that more than 63 percent of Nigerians — about 133 million people — are multidimensionally poor, with rural areas hit the hardest due to poor infrastructure, insecurity, and low agricultural output.
If enacted, the proposed rural development framework could become one of Nigeria’s most ambitious efforts to tackle inequality and revive the nation’s rural economy.
