Here’s a detailed look at the history of minimum wage increments in Nigeria, including dates and amounts:
1. 1981 – ₦125 per month
- The first official minimum wage in Nigeria was established in 1981, under President Shehu Shagari. The economy was relatively stable, and this wage was deemed acceptable for the living standards of the time.
2. 1991 – ₦250 per month
- A decade later, the minimum wage was revised to ₦250 per month during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. This increment was part of broader economic reforms aimed at addressing inflation and other economic challenges.
3. 1998 – ₦3,000 per month
- Under General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the minimum wage saw a significant jump to ₦3,000 per month. This increase was in response to the devaluation of the naira and the general increase in the cost of living over the previous years.
4. 2000 – ₦5,500 per month
- In the democratic era, under President Olusegun Obasanjo, the minimum wage was increased to ₦5,500 per month in 2000. This was part of a series of policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian workers following decades of military rule.
5. 2004 – ₦7,500 per month
- Continuing the trend of gradual increases, the minimum wage was raised to ₦7,500 per month in 2004. This increment was still under President Obasanjo’s administration and followed extensive negotiations with labour unions.
6. 2011 – ₦18,000 per month
- After a long period of negotiations and strikes by various labour unions, the minimum wage was increased to ₦18,000 per month in 2011 under President Goodluck Jonathan. This significant increase was a response to the global economic situation and the rise in domestic inflation.
7. 2019 – ₦30,000 per month
- The most recent adjustment came under President Muhammadu Buhari, who signed a new minimum wage bill into law in April 2019, setting the minimum wage at ₦30,000 per month. This came after several months of negotiations and was seen as a move to appease workers amidst growing inflation and dissatisfaction with economic policies.
The evolution of the minimum wage in Nigeria reflects the country’s economic challenges and the government’s attempts to balance fiscal capabilities with the need to ensure a livable income for its workers.
