In a major move to address Nigeria’s rising cost of living and improve the welfare of low-income workers, the House of Representatives has proposed a daily minimum wage of N3,500 for unskilled labourers across the country, marking a potential shift in labour policy and wage structure.
The proposal, which surfaced during a plenary session on Tuesday, aims to set a standard minimum daily payment for unskilled workers, including artisans, cleaners, labourers, and other casual employees in both public and private sectors. Lawmakers say the initiative is part of efforts to protect vulnerable workers from economic hardship and ensure fair compensation for their services amid persistent inflation and high living costs.
The motion, sponsored by several members of the House Committee on Labour and Employment, highlighted that the proposed N3,500 daily rate could serve as a benchmark for calculating short-term and contract-based employment payments across industries.
According to lawmakers who backed the motion, the new wage model would bring greater flexibility and accountability to Nigeria’s labour system. It is also expected to complement the National Minimum Wage Act, which currently fixes the monthly minimum wage at N30,000, though many states and private firms have struggled to comply due to economic constraints.
A member of the committee explained that the initiative would help workers survive the ongoing economic challenges. “The proposal is designed to ensure that no Nigerian engaged in any form of labour, no matter how menial, earns below a living wage that reflects current market realities,” he said.
The proposal has generated mixed reactions from economic experts, labour unions, and civil society groups. While some praised the idea as a progressive step toward fairer pay, others questioned its sustainability and enforcement.
A policy analyst,noted that while N3,500 per day would translate to roughly N105,000 monthly for full-time workers, “the challenge lies in ensuring compliance, especially among informal sector employers.”
On the other hand, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described the move as a welcome development that should be “backed by strong enforcement mechanisms and reviewed periodically in line with inflationary trends.”
However, small business owners have voiced concerns that the policy could increase operational costs, especially in sectors heavily reliant on daily labour such as construction, agriculture, and logistics.
The House has directed its Committee on Labour, Productivity, and Employment to engage with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Organized Private Sector (OPS) to refine the proposal and align it with existing wage laws.
If adopted, the N3,500 daily wage proposal would require executive approval and eventual enactment into law, possibly through amendments to the current minimum wage framework. The process is expected to include cost-impact assessments, consultations with state governments, and input from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
As the debate continues, the proposed N3,500 daily wage represents a bold attempt by lawmakers to confront Nigeria’s worsening economic reality and bridge the gap between income and living costs. Whether it becomes law will depend on stakeholder consensus and the government’s readiness to balance social welfare with economic sustainability.
