The Nigerian Federal Government has indicated its intention to review the national minimum wage, acknowledging that the current benchmark of N70,000 is no longer aligned with prevailing economic conditions. This development comes less than two years after President Bola Tinubu enacted the revised minimum wage legislation.
The move to reassess the wage structure, which was previously set at N30,000 and had its review cycle shortened from five years to three, was announced by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. Speaking at the Good Governance Summit 2026, organised by Working People United (WoPU) in Abuja, Gbajabiamila highlighted the administration’s recognition of escalating living costs and the imperative for wages to keep pace with economic shifts.
“The N70,000 wage, which was a milestone in 2024 must be honestly reassessed against today’s realities,” Gbajabiamila stated. He confirmed that the administration will approach the forthcoming review process as a partner to labour, not an adversary. He further urged organised labour to maintain a collaborative dialogue with the government, asserting that cooperation, rather than confrontation, would yield more beneficial outcomes for both workers and the broader economy.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, underscored the significance of government policies in tangible improvements to citizens’ lives. He posited that the true measure of effective governance lies in the extent to which policies translate into enhanced livelihoods, decent work, increased productivity, social protection, economic opportunities, and dignity for the working populace.
Williams Akporeha, National Coordinator of WoPU, emphasised the indispensable role of the workforce in the nation’s economic and developmental progress. He described the summit as a crucial convergence of workers from diverse sectors, united by a shared objective to foster national growth and elevate the welfare of Nigerians. The implications of this impending wage review will be closely monitored by businesses, legal practitioners, and compliance officers navigating Nigeria’s evolving labour landscape.
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