Minimum Wage in Nigeria 2026: Full Breakdown of What Each State Pays Workers

Nigeria’s Minimum Wage Reality in 2026 

On July 18, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 into law after negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). 

One key reform: the wage review cycle was reduced from five years to three years, allowing salaries to better reflect economic realities. 

However, as of April 2026, implementation across Nigeria varies widely — with some states exceeding the benchmark and others struggling to keep up. 

 States Paying ₦100,000 and Above 

 Imo State — ₦104,000 

Imo leads the chart with the highest minimum wage in Nigeria. 

• Approved under Governor Hope Uzodimma 

• Medical doctors earn up to ₦513,000 

• Entry-level lecturers earn about ₦220,000 

 This reflects a strong push toward improving worker welfare and retaining talent. 

States Paying ₦90,000 – ₦99,999 

Ebonyi State — ₦90,000 

• Approved by Governor Francis Nwifuru 

• Implemented in August 2025 

• Aimed at cushioning economic hardship 

States Paying ₦80,000 – ₦89,999 

These states have gone significantly above the federal benchmark: 

• Lagos — ₦85,000 under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu 

• Rivers — ₦85,000 

• Niger — ₦80,000 

• Enugu — ₦80,000 

• Akwa Ibom — ₦80,000 

• Bayelsa — ₦80,000 (phased implementation) 

• Oyo — ₦80,000 (+ ₦10,000 allowance in 2026) 

These states are balancing worker welfare with economic sustainability. 

States Paying ₦75,000 – ₦79,999 

• Ogun — ₦77,000 

• Edo — ₦75,000 

• Kebbi — ₦75,000 

• Benue — ₦75,000 (select categories) 

• Osun — ₦75,554.28 

• Ondo — ₦73,000 

• Kaduna — ₦72,000 

• Kogi — ₦72,500 

• Gombe — ₦71,451.15 (effective May 2026) 

• Kano — ₦71,000 

• Nasarawa — ₦70,500 

• Katsina — ₦70,000+ fully implemented 

Some of these states still face labour tensions due to delays or partial implementation. 

 States Paying ₦70,000 (Federal Benchmark) 

These states currently stick to the national minimum wage: 

• Delta 

• Kwara 

• Adamawa 

• Anambra 

• Abia 

• Jigawa 

• Borno 

• Cross River 

• Yobe 

• Sokoto 

• Plateau 

• Ekiti 

• Taraba 

• Bauchi 

While compliant, many workers argue this is no longer enough due to inflation. 

 States Yet to Fully Implement 

Zamfara State 

• Still undergoing verification processes 

• Minimum wage implementation remains incomplete as of 2026 

What This Means for Nigerian Workers 

The wage landscape reveals a clear inequality across states: 

1. Uneven Earnings 

Workers in some states earn significantly more than others for similar roles. 

2. Rising Cost of Living 

Inflation continues to reduce the real value of ₦70,000. 

3. Increased Labour Pressure 

Unions are now demanding wages above ₦100,000 in several states. 

“Two years after the reform, Nigeria’s wage structure shows progress — but also deep gaps across states.”

What to Expect Next 

With the three-year wage review cycle, Nigeria is approaching another potential wage adjustment by 2027. 

This means: 

• More negotiations between government and labour unions 

• Possible increase beyond ₦70,000 

• Greater pressure on states to improve worker welfare 

Progress, But Not Equal 

Nigeria’s minimum wage reform has improved earnings for many workers, but implementation remains inconsistent. While some states are leading with higher wages, others are still catching up. 

For true economic impact, uniform implementation and regular reviews will be key to protecting Nigerian workers from rising living costs.