President Bola Tinubu in July 2024 approved an increase in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
However, the implementation across states has been gradual, with some still yet to adopt the new minimum wage.
While a number of states have pledged to meet the ₦70,000 minimum wage, others have gone further, committing to pay amounts higher than the federal mandate.
Below is a list of states that have announced plans to pay ₦70,000 and above:
Edo State on June 25 announced ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.
Lagos State began its new wage implementation on October 16, 2024, setting the minimum wage at ₦85,000. This adjustment positions Lagos among the top states in terms of wage rates, reflecting its robust revenue base and commitment to supporting its workforce.
Rivers State followed closely, also setting its minimum wage at ₦85,000 starting on October 18, 2024 but is yet to commence payment. Known for its significant oil revenues, Rivers has emphasized that the wage increase aligns with its commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
Bayelsa State launched its minimum wage increase on November 1, 2024, with a new wage of ₦80,000. This move underscores Bayelsa’s effort to alleviate the economic pressures faced by its public sector employees, especially in an oil-rich state.
Niger State introduced its wage raise in October 2024, also pegging its new minimum wage at ₦80,000. This substantial increase reflects Niger’s prioritization of state employees and an attempt to boost morale within the public sector.
Enugu State adopted the new wage in October 2024 at ₦80,000. This adjustment illustrates Enugu’s commitment to its workforce, particularly amid calls for improved pay across the Southeast.
Akwa Ibom State, in October 2024, increased its minimum wage to ₦80,000, showcasing the state’s focus on ensuring that its workforce enjoys competitive pay rates within the region.
Borno State on October 10 approved the payment of the ₦70,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the state.
Ekiti State on October 12 said workers in the state service would be paid the ₦70,000 new minimum wage while consequential adjustment would be added to pensions.
Ogun State moved to implement its new minimum wage on October 15, 2024, setting it at ₦77,000. This increase is slightly above the federal minimum, reflecting Ogun’s commitment to its civil servants.
Delta State matched Ogun’s wage adjustment with a minimum wage of ₦77,000, effective October 2024. This move signals Delta’s dedication to addressing living standards for its employees.
Ebonyi State followed with a minimum wage of ₦75,000 in October 2024. Ebonyi’s new wage reflects an effort to remain competitive within the Southeast.
Kebbi State also set its minimum wage at ₦75,000 in October 2024, responding to workers’ calls for a more livable income level.
Gombe State announced a wage increase on October 14, 2024, setting its minimum wage at ₦71,451. This adjustment reflects the state’s commitment to meeting the new wage threshold while addressing regional economic factors.
Ondo State began paying its new minimum wage of ₦73,000 on October 12, 2024. This adjustment reflects Ondo’s alignment with federal standards, with a slight increase to support local workers.
Kogi State set its minimum wage at ₦72,500 as of October 7, 2024. This increase comes as Kogi positions itself to remain competitive among its neighboring states.
Kwara State implemented the new federal minimum of ₦70,000 in October 2024. This wage adjustment demonstrates Kwara’s adherence to the president’s directive.
Kano State on October 29 approved a new minimum wage of ₦71,000 for civil servants in the state.
Kaduna State on October 31 approved a new minimum wage of ₦72,000 for civil servants in the state, effective November 2024.
Anambra State also set its minimum wage at ₦70,000 in October 2024. Anambra’s compliance highlights its commitment to workers’ welfare despite budgetary constraints.
Yobe State in October approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants in the state.
Adamawa State was among the early adopters, implementing a ₦70,000 minimum wage in August 2024, reflecting a proactive stance on the president’s directive.
Katsina State launched its wage adjustment on September 5, 2024, also setting the minimum wage at ₦70,000.
Oyo State on November 6, approved a minimum wage of ₦80,000 for the state workforce.
Abia State on October 22 announced that it will begin paying the new ₦70,000 minimum wage to its workers starting in October 2024.
Taraba State most recently announced on November 13, 2024, that it would begin paying ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage, joining other states in aligning with the federal directive.
Plateau State followed Taraba, announcing its new minimum wage of ₦70,000 on November 14, 2024. Plateau’s compliance underscores a growing trend of states gradually meeting the wage threshold.
Imo State on October 4 reassured workers in the state that it is committed to the implementation of the ₦70,000 new national minimum wage as already approved by the Federal Government but had not yet begun implementation as of November 14, 2024.
While these states have implemented or committed to the new minimum wage, others are still in deliberations, with some citing fiscal challenges. The varying levels of wage increases reflect each state’s financial capacity and willingness to adapt to the president’s call for improved worker compensation.
However, states such as Sokoto, Bauchi, Benue, Nasarawa, Cross River, Osun, Jigawa, Zamfara have yet to announce the implementation of the new minimum wage.
