National Minimum Wage: The Legal Floor
In July 2024, the Nigerian federal government raised the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 per month. This is now the official legal minimum under the National Minimum Wage Act.
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State-by-State Minimum Wage Variations
Although ₦70,000 is the federal minimum, many states have approved higher figures, while some are still negotiating.
Below is the most up-to-date breakdown of public reports:
| State | Approved / Announced Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Lagos | ₦85,000 |
| Rivers | ₦85,000 |
| Enugu | ₦80,000 |
| Akwa Ibom | ₦80,000 |
| Bayelsa | ₦80,000 |
| Niger | ₦80,000 |
| Delta | ₦77,500 |
| Ogun | ₦77,000 |
| Ebonyi | ₦75,000 |
| Kebbi | ₦75,000 |
| Ondo | ₦73,000 |
| Kogi | ₦72,500 |
| Kaduna | ₦72,000 |
| Gombe | ₦71,500 |
| Kano | ₦71,000 |
| Nasarawa | ₦70,500 |
| Others (e.g., Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Borno, Edo, Osun, Katsina, etc.) | ₦70,000 federal minimum |
Note: Several states are still negotiating with labour unions and may update their wage structure soon.
Why the Discrepancies Exist
- State Revenue Differences: Lagos, Rivers, and Delta generate higher IGR, allowing them pay above ₦70,000.
- Union Pressure: Some states have stronger labour unions demanding higher consequential adjustments.
- Budget Constraints: States with lower internally generated revenues struggle with immediate implementation.
- Implementation Lag: Even after announcement, many states take months before fully paying the new rates.
Implications of Wage Differences
- Workers in higher-paying states enjoy better cushioning against inflation.
- Internal migration may shift as civil servants prefer high-paying states.
- States paying above ₦70,000 face increased fiscal pressure and potential debt growth.
- Wage differences may increase inequality between civil servants across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why do some states pay more than the national minimum wage of ₦70,000?
Some states have stronger revenue and better financial capacity, allowing them to negotiate higher wages with labour unions to help workers cope with rising living costs.
2. Is it compulsory for all states to implement the ₦70,000 federal minimum wage?
Yes, the law makes ₦70,000 the national minimum. However, implementation differs because some states delay due to financial constraints or ongoing negotiations.
3. What happens to workers in states that haven’t announced a new minimum wage?
Workers in such states may still be earning the old salary scale until the state government finalizes and begins full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
4. Do state minimum wages apply to private-sector workers?
Most of the figures listed apply to state civil servants. Private-sector enforcement depends on compliance and monitoring, which varies widely across industries.
5. How often will these wages be reviewed?
The federal minimum wage is scheduled for periodic review, and states may choose their own review timelines based on revenue strength, economic conditions, and labour agreements.
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