List of States Paying Above N70k as Minimum Wage

In response to the rising cost of living in Nigeria, several states have taken significant steps to improve the welfare of their workers. This comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a new minimum wage structure on July 29, 2024, following negotiations involving labor unions, the private sector, and the federal government. 

The new wage is aimed at enhancing the welfare of civil servants, and some states have opted to pay even higher than the federal minimum. Here’s a look at the states that are currently paying above N70,000 as minimum wage:

Lagos State

On October 16, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that the minimum wage in Lagos State would be raised to N85,000. This amount is N15,000 above the federal minimum wage. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the high living costs in Lagos as a key reason for this increase, with plans to further increase the minimum wage to N100,000 by January 2025.

Rivers State

Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved a new minimum wage of N85,000 for Rivers State civil servants on October 18, 2024. This decision followed a closed-door meeting with labor representatives at the Government House in Port Harcourt. Dr. George Nwaeke, the head of the Rivers State Civil Service, confirmed that the new wage, effective from November 2024, represents a significant improvement for workers in the state.

Delta State

In Delta State, the government has set the minimum wage at N77,500, effective from the end of October 2024. This decision was announced by Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government, during discussions with representatives from various labor unions. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emphasized the importance of easing the financial burdens faced by workers, despite ongoing assessments of the state’s finances.

Ogun State

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced on October 15, 2024, that Ogun State would implement a minimum wage of N77,000. This move aligns with the state’s commitment to improve workers’ welfare in the face of increasing living costs.

Ondo State

On October 12, 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa increased the minimum wage for state workers to N73,000. This announcement coincided with the launch of his campaign for the upcoming governorship election on November 16, showcasing his commitment to worker welfare.

Kogi State

Kogi State, under Governor Usman Ododo, has approved a minimum wage of N72,500 for civil servants, effective immediately. To further support workers, the governor has also suspended taxes on the new wage for one year.

Gombe State

Gombe State’s government signed an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress on October 14, 2024, to raise the minimum wage to N71,451.15, further supporting the financial well-being of its civil servants.

States Adopting N70,000 Minimum Wage

Several other states have also committed to the N70,000 minimum wage:

• Adamawa State: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri approved a N70,000 monthly minimum wage for both state and local government workers in August.
• Anambra State: Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced that the state would begin paying the N70,000 minimum wage starting in October 2024.
• Katsina State: Governor Dikko Radda is committed to implementing the N70,000 minimum wage.
• Ebonyi State: In September, Governor Francis Nwifuru approved the N70,000 minimum wage for state civil servants.