In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. However, implementation has varied across the country, with some states yet to fully adopt the new wage structure.
While many states have committed to paying the federal minimum of N70,000, a few have gone further by pledging even higher wages for their workers.
Below is a breakdown of states that have announced plans to exceed the federal minimum:
Lagos State
On October 16, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed a new minimum wage of N85,000 for Lagos State workers, citing the city’s high cost of living as a driving factor. The governor also expressed an ambition to raise this amount to N100,000 by January 2025.
Ogun State
Governor Dapo Abiodun approved a minimum wage of N77,000 on October 15, 2024, as confirmed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.
Gombe State
An agreement between the state government and the Nigeria Labour Congress was signed on October 14, 2024, to raise the minimum wage to N71,451.15.
Ondo State
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced a minimum wage hike to N73,000 on October 12, 2024, during his campaign launch ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
Kogi State
Governor Usman Ododo approved a new minimum wage of N72,500 for state civil servants, effective immediately. The governor also suspended the tax on this approved sum for one year.
States Adopting the N70,000 Minimum Wage
Several states have agreed to adopt the federal minimum of N70,000:
- Anambra State: Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced that N70,000 payments would begin in October 2024.
- Katsina State: Governor Dikko Radda affirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the new wage structure.
- Ebonyi State: In September 2024, Governor Francis Nwifuru approved N70,000 for civil servants in the state.
- Adamawa State: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri approved the new wage in August 2024 for state and local government workers.
- Oyo State: Governor Seyi Makinde assured workers that the N70,000 wage would be paid once salary adjustment issues are resolved.
- Borno State: Governor Babagana Zulum announced that payments would start in October 2024.
- Osun and Benue States: Both states have also indicated their readiness to adopt the N70,000 minimum wage.
States Yet to Implement
Meanwhile, some states, including Jigawa, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, have not yet announced any plans to implement the new wage structure.
