Nigeria's statutory minimum wage is ₦70,000 per month, a rate signed into law in 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This replaced the previous minimum wage of ₦30,000 set under President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. Earlier adjustments include an increase to ₦18,000 under President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, ₦5,500 under President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000, and ₦3,000 during the administration of Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar in 1998/1999. The first minimum wage of ₦125 per month was introduced by President Shehu Shagari in 1981. Nigeria ratified the ILO Minimum Wage Conventions on 16 June 1961 under a democratic government. Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have called for a review of the current ₦70,000 rate, citing high inflation and economic hardship. On 1 May, workers across the country held May Day protests demanding a higher minimum wage. Some states have not fully implemented the ₦70,000 wage, including for local government workers in Borno State. The ₦70,000 wage is equivalent to approximately $42, less than the 1981 rate of ₦125, which was worth $76.25 at the time. Employers face additional costs beyond the base salary, including a 10% employer pension contribution (about ₦7,000), 1% for NSITF (about ₦700), and variable costs for ITF and NHIS. Nigeria's minimum wage ranks among the lowest in Africa when converted to US dollars, despite the country having the continent's largest GDP.
President Tinubu approved ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage in 2024, yet workers in Borno State are still fighting to receive it in full. The same wage buys less today than in 1981, despite Nigeria's status as Africa's largest economy. Labour unions are demanding increases while some states fail to pay even the current amount. This gap between policy and reality leaves many workers worse off than decades ago.
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