Are you searching for the new minimum wage salary structure in Nigeria 2025? Whether you're a civil servant, job seeker, union leader, or HR professional trying to understand the impact of the recently approved national minimum wage, this full guide explains everything you need to know about the FGN updated salary table, including grade level breakdowns, how the new wage affects allowances, and when implementation will take effect.
In this article, we’ll cover the newly approved minimum wage, how it affects federal workers from Grade Level 01 to 17, the updated monthly earnings, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is the New Minimum Wage in Nigeria 2025?
As of 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has officially approved a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month, replacing the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage introduced in 2019.
The new salary increase follows months of negotiation between the government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). It is aimed at cushioning the effect of inflation, subsidy removal, and rising cost of living.
Key facts:
New minimum wage: ₦70,000 monthly
Approved by FEC (Federal Executive Council)
Effective for all federal and state civil servants (depending on state compliance)
Will trigger a new salary table from Grade Level 01 to 17
Who Will Benefit from the New Minimum Wage in Nigeria?
The new salary structure will directly affect:
Federal civil servants (under IPPIS)
State government workers (if states adopt the structure)
Teachers in government schools
Health workers and administrative staff
Paramilitary officers (with updated CONPASS)
Academic and non-academic staff (subject to union negotiations)
Note: Private companies are also expected to comply with the ₦70,000 wage floor but may phase it in over time.
New Federal Civil Service Salary Structure in Nigeria 2025 (GL 01–17)
With the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, the federal government will adjust all salary tables across MDAs using CONPSS, CONTISS, and other consolidated structures.
Below is the estimated new monthly salary table for federal government staff:
New FGN Salary Table (Grade Level 01–17)
| Grade Level (GL) | Step 1 Salary (₦) | Step 5 Salary (₦) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL 01 | ₦70,000 | ₦70,000 | Minimum wage benchmark |
| GL 03 | ₦70,000 | ₦78,000 | For support and clerical staff |
| GL 05 | ₦85,000 | ₦95,000 | Entry-level for secondary leavers |
| GL 06 | ₦98,000 | ₦110,000 | Higher diploma holders |
| GL 07 | ₦115,000 | ₦130,000 | University graduate entry level |
| GL 08 | ₦130,000 | ₦150,000 | With 2–3 years of experience |
| GL 09 | ₦160,000 | ₦180,000 | Master’s or specialist qualifications |
| GL 10 | ₦185,000 | ₦210,000 | Mid-level officers |
| GL 12 | ₦250,000 | ₦280,000 | Principal officers |
| GL 14 | ₦320,000 | ₦360,000 | Assistant Director cadre |
| GL 15 | ₦400,000 | ₦450,000 | Full directors |
| GL 17 | ₦500,000+ | ₦600,000+ | Permanent secretaries |
Note: These are estimates based on historical increase patterns and percentage adjustments proposed by unions. The official circular with final figures will be released by the National Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission (NSIWC).
Allowances Under the New Minimum Wage 2025
Besides basic salary, public workers under the new wage regime will still enjoy the following consolidated allowances:
Housing Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦70,000 per month
Transport Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 per month
Meal Subsidy: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000 monthly
Leave Grant: 10% of annual salary
13th Month Bonus: May be implemented based on MDA policy
Hazard & Uniform Allowance: For health, fire, and security staff
Shift Duty Allowance: For essential service workers
These allowances will also be adjusted upward based on the new wage floor and cost-of-living benchmarks.
State Workers and the New Minimum Wage
While the federal government will implement the new ₦70,000 wage across its workforce, state governments are allowed to negotiate based on their capacity.
Some states may:
Adopt the full ₦70,000 wage
Adopt a slightly lower figure (₦55,000 – ₦60,000)
Delay implementation due to budgeting
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has already warned that non-compliance will result in strikes, so states are expected to align soon.
How Does the New Minimum Wage Affect CONPSS and CONPASS?
The new minimum wage salary structure in Nigeria 2025 will also affect workers under:
CONPSS (Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure)
CONPASS (Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure)
CONTISS (used in polytechnics)
CONUASS (academic staff in universities)
CONHESS and CONMESS (for health workers)
All structures will be harmonized upward, with new salary scales based on their existing differences in rank, risk allowance, and sector-specific perks.
How Will Salary Be Calculated Under the New Minimum Wage?
Here’s a simplified example for an entry-level federal staff (GL 07 Step 1):
Old Basic Salary (2024): ₦75,000
New Basic Salary (2025): ₦115,000
Housing Allowance (20%): ₦23,000
Transport Allowance: ₦15,000
Meal Subsidy: ₦5,000
Total Monthly Pay (approx.): ₦158,000 – ₦170,000
Multiply this by 12 months for a total annual income of ₦1.8M – ₦2M.
Cost of Living vs New Minimum Wage in Nigeria 2025
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Feeding (single adult) | ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Rent (1 room self-con) | ₦40,000 – ₦70,000 |
| Transport | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Utility & Airtime | ₦7,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Total Monthly Needs | ₦90,000 – ₦150,000 |
This means the new ₦70,000 minimum wage may still barely cover basic urban living, especially in cities like Lagos and Abuja. However, for entry-level staff on GL 07 and above, the adjustment makes saving or investing more realistic.
FAQs on New Minimum Wage Salary Structure in Nigeria 2025
What is the minimum wage in Nigeria as of 2025?
₦70,000 per month, approved by the Federal Government in 2025.
When will the new minimum wage be implemented?
Implementation is expected from Q3 2025, pending gazette release and state government alignment.
Will existing federal workers get new salaries?
Yes. All staff from GL 01 to GL 17 will be migrated to a new wage scale.
Are allowances included in the new ₦70,000?
No. The ₦70,000 is the basic salary. Allowances are calculated separately.
Will the private sector adopt this new wage?
Yes, especially large organizations. SMEs may phase it in gradually.
Is this salary structure permanent?
It will remain until the next wage review cycle likely in 4 to 5 years, or earlier if inflation spikes significantly.
Final Thoughts: Is the New Minimum Wage in Nigeria Fair in 2025?
The new minimum wage salary structure in Nigeria 2025 represents a major step forward in bridging the gap between income and inflation. While ₦70,000 may still fall short of full economic relief for lower earners, it offers an improved baseline compared to the old ₦30,000 wage.
For government workers across Grade Levels 01 to 17, this new salary system will increase monthly take-home pay, allowances, and pension contributions. However, implementation speed, state compliance, and inflation trends will ultimately determine its success.
If you're currently employed in the public sector or job-hunting, this new structure gives you a clearer picture of your earning potential under the Nigerian civil service in 2025.