FG Working on New Minimum Wage Announcement, Says Shoretire

The Federal Government is working towards announcing a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communications, Sunday Shoretire.

Shoretire disclosed this while speaking on the ongoing discussions around workers’ wages and the need to review the current minimum wage in line with prevailing economic realities.

He said the government was committed to ensuring that Nigerian workers receive improved remuneration, adding that the process of arriving at a new wage structure was ongoing.

According to him, relevant stakeholders were being engaged as the Federal Government considers the appropriate figure and framework for a new minimum wage.

Shoretire explained that the government was also taking into account the effects of inflation and the rising cost of living on workers and households.

He said President Bola Tinubu remained concerned about the welfare of workers and was determined to pursue policies aimed at improving their living standards.

The presidential aide, however, did not disclose the exact amount being considered or a specific date for the announcement.

Nigeria’s current minimum wage was signed into law in July 2024 after the Federal Government, state governments and organised labour reached an agreement on a N70,000 monthly wage floor for workers.

The implementation of the wage has continued to generate discussions among governments, labour unions and employers, particularly over differences in states’ capacity to meet the obligation and the rising cost of living.

Shoretire said the Federal Government would make an official announcement once consultations and other necessary processes had been concluded.

The development comes amid renewed calls from organised labour and other stakeholders for further wage adjustments to reflect economic conditions and protect workers’ purchasing power.