Key Facts: Nigeria Wages
- Country
- Nigeria (NGA)
- Continent
- Africa
- Currency
- Nigerian Naira (NGN)
- Minimum Wage
- ₦404 /hr ($0.26 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- ₦339,000 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- ₦4,068,000 /year
- Median Individual Income
- ₦1,200,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-24
Nigeria — Average Salary & Wages
Nigerian Naira (NGN) Data verified Jan 2024 Sources
The average salary in Nigeria is
₦4,068,000 a year
But half of all workers earn less than ₦1,200,000 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Nigeria is ₦404/hr ($0.26 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is ₦339,000 ($220.42 USD). The median monthly income is ₦100,000 ($65.02 USD).
The Numbers
Estimates vary widely. Large informal economy makes precise measurement very difficult.
Average across formal sector. Enormous gap between formal and informal economy. Over 60% of workforce in informal employment.
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- ₦404
- Monthly
- ₦70,000
- Annual
- ₦840,000Based on 12 monthly payments
Increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after months of negotiations and a nationwide strike. Despite the 133% increase, inflation (33%+ in 2024-2025) has eroded purchasing power significantly. Enforcement varies widely by state; some states have not fully implemented. Wage reviews are supposed to occur every 3 years (changed from 5). Exempted: businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
What It Buys
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Nigeria, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $2.29/hr in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Nigeria earns ₦70,000/mo. That is 21% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- ₦70,000 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 21% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $45.51/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +289% since 2011
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Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2011, the minimum wage has grown +289% in nominal terms.
Where It Varies
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 48 hrs/wk
Labour Act sets standard at 40 hours/week. Overtime rates set by individual employment contracts. No statutory overtime multiplier.
How It Compares
How Nigeria Compares
| Metric | Nigeria | Africa Avg. | Africa Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $0.26/hr | $0.91/hr | $6.06/hr (Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha) |
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $220.42/mo | $382.04/mo | $1,640.28/mo (South Africa) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| Madagascar | $0.27 |
| Ethiopia | $0.27 |
| Uganda | $0.21 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | $0.31 |
| Kyrgyzstan | $0.20 |
| Nigeria | $0.26 |
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Burundi Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Nigeria?
The minimum wage in Nigeria is ₦404/hr (approximately $0.26 USD), effective since 2024-07-23. Increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after months of negotiations and a nationwide strike. Despite the 133% increase, inflation (33%+ in 2024-2025) has eroded purchasing power significantly. Enforcement varies widely by state; some states have not fully implemented. Wage reviews are supposed to occur every 3 years (changed from 5). Exempted: businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
What is the average salary in Nigeria?
The average gross monthly salary in Nigeria is ₦339,000 (approximately $220.42 USD). Average across formal sector. Enormous gap between formal and informal economy. Over 60% of workforce in informal employment. Source: National Bureau of Statistics (2024).
How many hours is the standard work week in Nigeria?
The standard work week in Nigeria is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Labour Act sets standard at 40 hours/week. Overtime rates set by individual employment contracts. No statutory overtime multiplier.
How has the minimum wage in Nigeria changed over time?
The minimum wage in Nigeria has changed as follows: ₦18,000 in 2011, ₦30,000 in 2019, ₦70,000 in 2024. This represents 3 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Nigeria in USD?
The minimum wage in Nigeria converts to approximately $0.26/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Nigeria in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Nigeria is approximately $220.42 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Nigeria's minimum wage compare to the Africa average?
Nigeria's minimum wage ranks #28 out of 33 countries with statutory minimum wages in Africa, placing it below the median for Africa.
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