Nigeria Increases Minimum Wage for Government Workers Following Labor Strikes

Nigeria’s public sector workers earning minimum wage will see their salaries double following a government agreement with labor unions. The new minimum wage is set at 70,000 naira ($44), significantly lower than the unions’ demand of nearly 500,000 naira. However, this pay increase will not be effective immediately, as federal lawmakers must first pass legislation to approve it.

Since President Bola Tinubu implemented policies like removing fuel subsidies and unifying exchange rates, gasoline prices have more than doubled and inflation has risen. Some state governors have expressed that many states cannot afford the new minimum wage, and the law will require them to comply.

Despite being one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, Nigeria remains one of the world’s poorest countries due to persistent corruption and unequal salaries among public officials.