Nigerian Government Announces New Two-Year Minimum Wage Review Cycle
The Nigerian government has announced that the national minimum wage will now be reviewed every two years, replacing the previous five-year interval.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, during a press briefing in Abia State on Thursday.
Onyejeocha emphasized that the shift aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, ensuring more frequent adjustments to reflect economic realities.
“We are not going to allow the minimum wage review to be delayed indefinitely. It used to be about five years, but now, in three years’ time, which is less than two years from now, we will also review the minimum wage,” she stated.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over rising inflation, which reached 34.60% in November 2024, significantly eroding workers’ purchasing power despite the recent wage increase.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) had recently called for annual wage reviews, arguing that inflation and economic challenges warranted more frequent adjustments to protect workers.
Last year, President Tinubu approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 with a promise to review it every three years. However, the current inflationary pressures have prompted a faster review cycle to better support Nigerian workers.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ welfare while addressing economic challenges.
