Atiku Abubakar Promises to Raise Nigeria’s Minimum Wage to N70,000 in 2027
Atiku Abubakar, former vice‑president and ADC presidential candidate, pledges to lift the national minimum wage to N70,000 from May 2027.
In Brief
- •Atiku Abubakar, former vice‑president and ADC presidential candidate, pledges to lift the national minimum wage to N70,000 from May 2027.
- •He argues the current wage floor has been eroded by soaring petrol, food, and transport costs, with petrol priced between N1,400 and N1,500 per litre.
- •The plan includes a targeted production subsidy for petroleum products refined and sold in Nigeria, subject to spending limits and independent audit.
- •Atiku calls for a broader policy package that boosts domestic production and reduces energy costs to complement the wage increase.
Why It Matters
Nigeria’s cost‑of‑living crisis has eroded workers’ purchasing power, with the current minimum wage unable to cover basic expenses such as fuel and rent. By raising the wage floor, Atiku aims to restore living standards and stimulate domestic demand, potentially easing inflationary pressures. The proposal also signals a shift in economic policy that could influence investor confidence and the broader labour market. If implemented, the wage hike could increase household spending, but without accompanying measures to curb energy prices, the benefit may be limited. The policy’s success will depend on how effectively the subsidy and production support are executed and monitored.
Key Details
- Minimum Wage
- N70,000
- Proposed Start Date
- May 2027
- Petrol Price Range
- N1,400–N1,500 per litre
- Targeted Subsidy
- Petroleum products refined in Nigeria
- Previous Wage Increase
- N30,000 to N70,000
Original Reporting & Sources
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