State governors across Nigeria are considering a proposal to raise the national minimum wage to N100,000 as workers continue to face rising living costs and economic pressure.
The development was disclosed on Saturday by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said discussions are ongoing among state governments, the Federal Government and organised labour.
According to AbdulRazaq, the proposal is being driven by the growing impact of inflation, increasing prices of goods and services, and the financial challenges many workers are currently experiencing. He explained that governors are exploring ways to improve workers’ earnings while also ensuring that states can meet their financial responsibilities.
The discussions are focused on finding a wage structure that supports workers without creating financial difficulties for state governments. Authorities are seeking a balance that would improve the welfare of employees while allowing governments to continue funding essential services and development projects.
AbdulRazaq noted that state governments are carefully examining the financial implications of a new wage package before any final decision is reached. He said the aim is to improve the standard of living of workers while maintaining stable public finances across the states.
The proposal has already attracted attention across the country, especially as many Nigerians continue to struggle with higher food prices, transportation costs and other household expenses. Labour unions have repeatedly argued that current salaries no longer reflect present economic realities and have called for a better wage structure.
Nigeria’s official minimum wage currently stands at N70,000 monthly. However, some states are already paying amounts above the national benchmark in an effort to provide additional support for their workforce.
The ongoing consultations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as stakeholders work toward an agreement on a possible new minimum wage. If approved, the proposed N100,000 wage could become one of the major economic policy decisions affecting workers and governments ahead of the next phase of national economic reforms.