The governors, under the leadership of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, made this position known during ongoing discussions on wage adjustments between government stakeholders, labour unions, and other relevant bodies. According to the forum, the current economic realities, including rising inflation and cost of living, necessitate a significant increase in workers’ earnings to ensure a decent standard of living.
The NGF emphasized that state governments are now in a better position to accommodate a higher wage structure due to increased allocations from the Federation Account. This improvement, they noted, followed policy changes introduced by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies, which has boosted government revenues.
However, the forum also stressed the need for a balanced and sustainable approach to wage increments, warning that not all states have equal financial strength. Governors urged that any new minimum wage framework should consider the varying economic capacities of states to avoid fiscal strain or potential delays in salary payments.
Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, have consistently demanded higher wages, arguing that the current minimum wage is no longer realistic given the sharp increase in prices of goods and services across the country.
Negotiations between the federal government, state governments, and organised labour are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with many Nigerians watching closely as the outcome will significantly impact workers’ welfare and the broader economy.
The proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage, if approved, would mark a substantial increase from the current ₦30,000 benchmark, representing one of the most significant wage reviews in Nigeria’s recent history.