The Federal Government has commenced steps towards reviewing Nigeria’s current national minimum wage of ₦70,000, with consultations already underway ahead of negotiations for a new wage structure.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Kamil Shoretire, disclosed this in Abuja during a capacity-building workshop organised for labour correspondents.
Shoretire said the government had started internal discussions on the proposed review, although an official timetable for the negotiations had yet to be announced.
According to him, consultations were already ongoing as the government prepares for the next phase of negotiations on workers’ pay.
He said the Federal Government would make details of the process public once it reaches the stage of formally involving the media.
The permanent secretary also disclosed that the government was engaging workers in some sectors where disagreements over salaries, allowances and other payments remained unresolved.
The planned wage review comes amid sustained pressure from organised labour for an upward adjustment of the minimum wage.
The current national minimum wage of ₦70,000 was approved in 2024 following negotiations between the Federal Government, labour unions and other stakeholders.
Since its implementation, labour groups have continued to raise concerns over the impact of inflation and rising costs of food, transportation and other basic necessities on workers’ earnings.
Labour organisations have consequently been pushing for a new minimum wage of as much as ₦500,000.
Shoretire said the government would provide further information on the review process when the appropriate stage for public and media engagement was reached.
