Key Facts: Nigeria vs Niger Wages
- Nigeria Minimum Wage
- ₦404/hr ($0.26 USD)
- Niger Minimum Wage
- CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD)
- Nigeria Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₦339,000 /mo ($220.42 USD)
- Niger Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Data Sources
- National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024 (2026-02-24), ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Protection Sociale (Niger) (2026-02-25)
Nigeria
Niger
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Nigeria is roughly 205 times lower than in Niger in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Nigeria at $220/mo compared to $215/mo in Niger. GDP per capita (PPP) in Nigeria is 4.4x that of Niger, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Nigeria has higher GDP per capita ($9,087 vs $2,050). Nigeria's unemployment rate is 3.1% compared to Niger's 0.4%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nigeria | Niger |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₦404 $0.26 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₦70,000 $45.51 | CFA30,047 $53.94 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₦840,000 $546.16 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₦339,000 /mo $220.42 | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₦290,000 /mo $188.56 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | ₦1,200,000 /yr $780.23 | CFA150,000 /yr $269.30 |
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.
- Niger
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week. Maximum 48 hours with overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply only to the small formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Nigeria earns 20436% less per hour in USD terms than one in Niger.
See this comparison from Niger's perspective: Niger vs Nigeria
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Nigeria or Niger?
In Nigeria, the minimum wage is ₦404/hr ($0.26 USD). In Niger, it is CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD). Niger has the higher rate by 20436% 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 Niger?
The average gross salary in Nigeria is ₦339,000/mo ($220.42 USD), compared to CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD) in Niger. In USD terms, workers in Nigeria earn approximately 2% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Nigeria and Niger 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 Niger.
How do work hours compare between Nigeria and Niger?
Both Nigeria and Niger 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 Niger?
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 4.4x that of Niger at $2,050. 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.