Consider increasing minimum wage to N100,000 — AbdulRazaq tells Tinubu

The governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider increasing Nigeria’s national minimum wage from N70,000 to N100,000.

The appeal was made on Friday during a meeting between the president and state governors at his residence in Lagos.

AbdulRazaq, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), praised Tinubu for removing the petrol subsidy, describing the decision as a courageous move that few politicians would have been willing to make.

According to him, governors had anticipated widespread unrest following the policy and had taken steps to prepare for possible protests.

“We were expecting serious riots, because there were riots — #EndBadGovernance riots — even before then and for lesser issues,” he said.

“Well, lo and behold, we spent money and mobilised the security agencies to secure the states. Lo and behold, on that day, nothing happened. There was no riot and protest anywhere.

“I think the nation was shocked by the audacity of Mr President to implement that serious policy. Today, we’ve benefited immensely from that policy.

“I can say as a matter of fact, in my own state, when we get the FAAC allocation, after paying salaries, we’re left with N100 or N200 million.”

The governor said the improved financial position of states has reduced dependence on borrowing and bond issuance to fund salaries and development projects.

He further noted that several states already pay workers above the current statutory minimum wage of N70,000.

“I urge your excellency, let’s have a discussion on moving the minimum wage to a minimum of 100,000,” he said.

“We know we’ll get support from you as we go ahead to implement that.”

Tinubu signed the new minimum wage bill into law in June 2024, raising the wage floor from N30,000 to N70,000.

The legislation also stipulates that the national minimum wage should be reviewed every three years.

The previous N30,000 minimum wage was approved in 2019 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.