Governors weigh N100,000 minimum wage amid rising cost of living

State governors are considering a new national minimum wage of N100,000 as workers grapple with worsening economic hardship, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the cqhairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State governor, has disclosed.

AbdulRazaq said the proposal is being discussed in response to soaring inflation, rising living costs and growing financial pressure on Nigerian workers.

According to him, governors are engaging the federal government and organised labour to agree on a wage structure that improves workers’ welfare without jeopardising the finances of states.

He noted that while there is a clear need to boost workers’ earnings, any review must take into account the fiscal realities facing sub-national governments.

“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in line with current economic realities. We are consulting with the federal government and labour unions to arrive at a wage structure that is fair, realistic and sustainable,” he said.

The NGF chairman stressed that the objective is to enhance workers’ purchasing power while ensuring that governments can continue to fund critical infrastructure, social services and development projects.

The proposed wage increase is coming less than two years after the national minimum wage was raised to N70,000.

However, persistent inflation and escalating prices of food, transportation and other essentials have continued to erode the value of workers’ salaries.

Labour unions, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress, have repeatedly demanded a comprehensive salary review, arguing that workers deserve a living wage capable of meeting present-day economic realities.

Several states, including Lagos, Rivers and Imo, currently pay above the N70,000 benchmark, reflecting growing pressure on governments to cushion the impact of economic challenges on workers.

If adopted, the N100,000 minimum wage proposal is expected to spark fresh national debate on workers’ welfare, government revenue and the broader challenge of balancing economic reforms with social protection.