The United States has raised concerns that Nigeria’s new N70,000 minimum wage is not enough to pull citizens out of poverty given the country’s tough economic realities.
In its latest 2024 Human Rights Report, released on August 12, 2025, the US Department of State said the wage, worth about $48 a month at the current exchange rate, has already lost value due to the rapid depreciation of the naira.
The report noted that while the National Minimum Wage Act doubled the previous wage, enforcement has remained weak. Many states have yet to implement it, and several employers—especially those with fewer than 25 workers—are not covered by the law.
It added that seasonal farm workers, part-time staff, and commission-based employees are also excluded, leaving millions without protection.
According to the report, up to 80% of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector, where labour laws are rarely enforced. It also highlighted that the country lacks enough labour inspectors to monitor compliance.
The findings come as Nigerians continue to struggle with rising inflation and living costs, following recent government reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and currency unification.
