ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said state governors are considering a new national minimum wage of N100,000 in response to rising economic hardship in the country.
AbdulRazaq made this known in a Facebook post on Saturday, explaining that the proposal was driven by inflation, the high cost of living, and increasing financial pressure on Nigerian workers.
He said state governments are currently engaging the Federal Government and organised labour to agree on a wage structure that balances workers’ welfare with fiscal sustainability.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.
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The NGF chairman added that consultations were ongoing to ensure that any new wage regime would not impose excessive financial strain on states.
“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,” he stated.
He further explained that discussions were focused on balancing improved purchasing power for workers with the need for governments to continue delivering essential services and infrastructure 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 said.
He noted that while workers deserve better pay, policymakers must also take into account the fiscal realities facing subnational governments.
The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national debate on salaries, inflation, and wider economic reforms, as Nigerians continue to face rising food, transport, and living costs.
Many workers have continued to express concerns that their current earnings are no longer sufficient to meet basic household needs amid the prevailing economic situation.
Nigeria’s current statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month.
However, several states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are reportedly paying above the national benchmark in efforts to support workers.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has continued to advocate for a comprehensive salary review, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects current economic realities rather than one that only ensures survival.