The Federal Government has indicated that the current N70,000 national minimum wage may soon be reviewed upward, citing rising living costs and changing economic conditions in the country.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the 2026 Good Governance Summit organised by Working People United (WoPU), themed “Policies and Governance: Impact on the Working People.”
Gbajabiamila said the administration recognizes that the N70,000 wage, approved in 2024, was a major milestone but may no longer reflect present-day economic realities.
“This administration has delivered a new national minimum wage signed into law at N70,000, more than double the previous N30,000,” he said.
“But recognising that the cost of living does not stand still, the President reduced the wage review cycle from five years to three years.”
He added that the government is open to beginning a review process when due, stressing that such engagement would be done in partnership with labour unions rather than in confrontation.
“The N70,000 wage must be honestly reassessed against today’s realities,” he said, adding that the administration would approach future discussions as a “partner in progress” with organised labour.
Gbajabiamila also urged stronger collaboration between government and workers, describing governance as a partnership rather than a one-sided process.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammad Dingyadi, also speaking at the event, said governance should be measured by its impact on workers and their livelihoods, not just policy formulation.
He noted that effective policies must translate into improved welfare, productivity, and economic opportunity for Nigerians.
In his remarks, WoPU National Coordinator Williams Akporeha said national development cannot be achieved without the working population, describing workers across sectors as the backbone of the economy.
He said the movement brings together Nigerians from all professions to push for improved welfare and inclusive development.
