In a significant development for Nigerian workers, several states across the federation are now paying minimum wages higher than the ₦70,000 benchmark set by the Federal Government in 2024. This marks a rare shift in Nigeria’s wage dynamics, where sub-national governments are outpacing the center in workers’ welfare.
Following protracted negotiations with organized labor last year, the Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month, replacing the previous ₦30,000 that had been in effect since 2019. While the law compels all employers to meet the ₦70,000 threshold, it also allows state governments to adopt higher rates depending on their financial capacity.
Recent data shows that many states have embraced this flexibility, setting wages above the federal benchmark. Rivers and Lagos currently lead with ₦85,000 per month, setting the highest minimum wages in the country. Bayelsa, Niger, Akwa Ibom, and Enugu follow closely at ₦80,000.
Other upward adjustments include Ogun and Delta, both at ₦77,000; Kebbi and Ebonyi at ₦75,000; Ondo at ₦73,000; Kogi and Kaduna between ₦72,000 and ₦72,500; and Gombe between ₦71,000 and ₦71,500.
Meanwhile, several states — including Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Borno, Edo, Jigawa, and Kwara — have adopted the federal standard of ₦70,000, with others also in the process of implementation.
Analysts say the move signals progress for Nigerian workers, who have long battled inflation and stagnant pay. “It’s a thing of joy that states are now paying more than the Federal Government,” one observer remarked, noting that governors should now match these wage increases with improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security, given the higher allocations accruing to state treasuries from the Federation Account.
The current wage review comes against the backdrop of rising living costs and pressure from trade unions, who argued that the former ₦30,000 minimum wage was grossly inadequate to meet basic needs. With food prices, transport costs, and housing on the rise, the latest figures suggest states are beginning to respond to public demand for better welfare.
However, labor leaders warn that prompt and consistent payment of the new rates remains a challenge. “It is not enough to announce higher wages on paper,” one union representative said. “What matters most is regular payment without arrears or deductions.”
For now, the fact that some states have overtaken the Federal Government in worker compensation is seen as a milestone in Nigeria’s wage history — one that may spark renewed competition among states to attract and retain skilled workers.
Summary of Minimum Wages by States (as of 2025):
₦85,000: Rivers, Lagos
₦80,000: Bayelsa, Niger, Akwa Ibom, Enugu
₦77,000: Ogun, Delta
₦75,000: Kebbi, Ebonyi
₦73,000: Ondo
₦72,000 – ₦72,500: Kogi, Kaduna
₦71,000 – ₦71,500: Gombe
₦70,000: Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Borno, Edo, Jigawa, Kwara, and other states
With the competition for higher minimum wages now in motion, attention is shifting to how effectively states will manage the broader expectations that come with increased allocations and the responsibility of lifting living standards across Nigeria.
