The U.S. says Nigeria’s N70,000 minimum wage has been undermined by naira depreciation, weak enforcement, and widespread exclusions.
The United States has criticised Nigeria’s recently approved minimum wage of N70,000, saying its value has been eroded by the persistent depreciation of the naira.
In its *2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices*, released August 12, the U.S. Department of State noted that the new wage amounts to only \$47.90 per month at an exchange rate of over N1,500 to the dollar. It added that most workers remain excluded, as the law applies only to employers with 25 or more full-time staff.
“Despite the increase, currency devaluation meant the minimum wage was no longer higher than the poverty income level,” the report stated.
The U.S. also flagged poor enforcement, child marriage concerns, arbitrary arrests, and lengthy pretrial detentions as key human rights issues.
It cited Amnesty International’s claim that dozens detained at SARS Awkuzu remain missing since 2020.