Minimum wage in Nigeria

A statutory national minimum wage

Nigeria has a national minimum wage set by federal law, quoted per month. The law now requires a review every three years.

Headline figure (since July 2024)

70,000 NGN per month

Under the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024.

Roughly US$53 a month for a full-time worker, at exchange rates of 2026-10-09. This is a rough comparison only and does not show buying power.

Checked October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Check the date. Minimum wages change, in many countries every year. The figure above is the one in force at the date shown. Confirm the current amount with the official source below before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal or employment advice.

Who sets it

The National Minimum Wage Act, as amended in 2024, sets the amount, after talks between the Federal Government, the labour unions and the private sector.

How it changes

The amount is changed by amending the Act. The 2024 amendment shortened the review period to three years, and the Government has said it will review the wage again.

Who is covered, and who is treated differently

It applies to employers with a stated minimum number of workers; very small employers are outside it.
Some state governments and employers pay more.

What to watch for

Check the current Act and any new amendment.

Understand the legal system first

Nigeria belongs to the Common law family. How pay is regulated depends on how the legal system makes and applies labour law.

Read the Nigeria legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →
Compare Nigeria with another country →

Official sources

National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (Nigeria)

Take it further

Employment Offer Letter template $5
A clear offer of work, pay and terms.
Independent Contractor Agreement template $5
Put freelance work and payment in writing.
Labor and Employment Law course $15
Wages, hours, contracts and dismissal.

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TheLawToKnow Tools’s Minimum Wage by Country guide is an educational overview. It is not legal or employment advice, and it does not replace the official source or a lawyer in the country. Report a mistake.