Nigeria’s state governors, under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have proposed a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000 for workers, according to a report published by Channels Television.

The proposal was disclosed by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said the move is part of ongoing consultations with the Federal Government and organised labour.

AbdulRazaq stated that the proposal is driven by rising inflation, increasing cost of living, and growing financial pressure on Nigerian workers. He added that discussions are ongoing to ensure a wage structure that improves workers’ welfare while remaining sustainable for government finances.

According to the NGF, state governments are seeking a balance between enhancing workers’ purchasing power and maintaining the ability to fund essential public services and development projects.

“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances,” AbdulRazaq said.

He noted that while workers require better pay due to current economic realities, fiscal limitations at subnational levels must also be considered in final decisions.

The proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage comes amid continued debate over salaries and inflation in Nigeria, where many workers have complained that earnings are no longer sufficient to meet basic needs.

Nigeria’s current statutory minimum wage stands at ₦70,000, although some states, including Lagos, Rivers and Imo, reportedly pay above the national benchmark.

The development is expected to intensify national discussions involving government, labour unions, and economic policymakers over wage reforms and broader economic conditions.