Key Facts: Nigeria vs Gambia Wages
- Nigeria Minimum Wage
- ₦404/hr ($0.26 USD)
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- Nigeria Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₦339,000 /mo ($220.42 USD)
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- Data Sources
- National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024 (2026-02-24), ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25)
Nigeria
Gambia
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Nigeria is roughly 67 times lower than in the Gambia in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $220/mo in Nigeria versus $108/mo in the Gambia, a 2.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Nigeria is 2.6x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Nigeria has higher GDP per capita ($9,087 vs $3,476). Nigeria's unemployment rate is 3.1% compared to the Gambia's 6.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nigeria | Gambia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₦404 $0.26 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | D50 $0.67 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₦70,000 $45.51 | D1,300 $17.53 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₦840,000 $546.16 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₦339,000 /mo $220.42 | D8,000 /mo $107.90 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₦290,000 /mo $188.56 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | ₦1,200,000 /yr $780.23 | N/A/yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Nigeria is higher.
Work Week
- Nigeria
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Labour Act sets standard at 40 hours/week. Overtime rates set by individual employment contracts. No statutory overtime multiplier.
- Gambia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard working week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime is payable at 1.5x for weekdays and 2x for Sundays and public holidays.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Nigeria earns 6575% less per hour in USD terms than one in the Gambia.
See this comparison from Gambia's perspective: Gambia vs Nigeria
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Nigeria or Gambia?
In Nigeria, the minimum wage is ₦404/hr ($0.26 USD). In the Gambia, it is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). Gambia has the higher rate by 6575% in USD terms. That nominal gap does not account for local prices; see the purchasing power comparison below for a cost-of-living-adjusted view. Workers in Nigeria may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Nigeria compared to Gambia?
The average gross salary in Nigeria is ₦339,000/mo ($220.42 USD), compared to D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD) in the Gambia. In USD terms, workers in Nigeria earn approximately 104% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Nigeria and Gambia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Nigeria earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Gambia.
How do work hours compare between Nigeria and Gambia?
Both Nigeria and Gambia mandate a similar standard work week of 40 hours. When work hours are equal, the country with the higher minimum wage delivers proportionally higher weekly earnings. Standard work week rules set the baseline; actual hours worked often differ based on industry norms and individual employment contracts.
What is the cost of living difference between Nigeria and Gambia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Nigeria has the higher GDP per capita at $9,087, which is 2.6x that of Gambia at $3,476. From Nigeria's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher economic level. A higher GDP per capita generally correlates with higher wages, higher consumer prices, and greater availability of goods and services. Workers moving between these two countries should expect significant differences in rent, food, and transportation costs.