Nigeria Minimum Wage 2026: What States Pay Above N70,000
See which Nigerian states pay above the ₦70,000 minimum wage in 2026, including Imo, Ebonyi, Lagos and Rivers, and compare reported monthly rates.
Nigeria’s national minimum wage remains ₦70,000 per month, however, several state governments have approved higher rates for their workers. A state-by-state review published by Nairametrics in May 2026 placed Imo State at the top with ₦104,000, followed by Ebonyi at ₦90,000 and Lagos and Rivers at ₦85,000 each. The differences have returned to the spotlight as organised labour pushes for a review of workers’ wages amid rising living costs.
States Paying Above ₦70,000 in 2026
The following were reported by Nairametrics Research as of April 30, 2026. They represent reported state minimum-wage rates, not a guarantee that every eligible worker has received full implementation.
| State | Reported monthly minimum wage |
|---|---|
| Imo | ₦104,000 |
| Ebonyi | ₦90,000 |
| Lagos | ₦85,000 |
| Rivers | ₦85,000 |
| Niger | ₦80,000 |
| Enugu | ₦80,000 |
| Akwa Ibom | ₦80,000 |
| Bayelsa | ₦80,000 |
| Oyo | ₦80,000 |
| Ogun | ₦77,000 |
| Osun | ₦75,554.28 |
| Edo | ₦75,000 |
| Kebbi | ₦75,000 |
| Benue | ₦75,000* |
| Ondo | ₦73,000 |
| Kogi | ₦72,500 |
| Kaduna | ₦72,000* |
| Gombe | ₦71,451.15 |
| Kano | ₦71,000 |
| Nasarawa | ₦70,500 |
Implementation or coverage has been reported as limited, phased or disputed in some cases. Confirm the latest state government circular before treating these figures as the amount currently paid to all eligible workers.
What the Wage Differences Mean for Workers
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) continues its call for a review of the national minimum wage in October 2026, arguing that some states already pay more than the federal benchmark. However, a state’s minimum wage generally concerns its own public workforce and any other categories covered by its wage arrangement. It does not automatically mean every private employer in that state must pay the higher state-government rate.
Although a higher wage approvals will offer some workers improved earnings, the figures should be considered alongside the cost of living and whether payments are being implemented fully. Employees seeking to confirm their entitlements should check the latest announcement from their state government or Head of Service.
