AbdulRazaq, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider increasing Nigeria’s national minimum wage from N70,000 to N100,000.

AbdulRazaq made the appeal on Friday during a meeting between President Tinubu and state governors at the President’s residence in Lagos.

Speaking at the gathering, the governor praised Tinubu for what he described as the bold and courageous decision to remove the petrol subsidy, noting that only a small fraction of political leaders would have been willing to take such a difficult step.

According to him, governors across the country had anticipates widespread public protests and unrest following the subsidy removal and had mobilised security agencies in preparation for possible disturbances.

“We were expecting serious riots because there were riots — #EndBadGovernance protests — even before then and for lesser issues,” AbdulRazaq said.

“Well, and behold, we spent money and mobilised the security agencies to secure the states. On that day, nothing happened. There was no riot or protest anywhere.

“I think the nation was shocked by the audacity of Mr President to implement that serious policy. Today, we have benefited immensely from that policy,” he added.

The governor said the improved financial position of states since the subsidy removal has reduced their dependence on borrowing to pay salaries and fund development projects.

“I can say as a matter of fact that in my state, when we receive our FAAC allocation, after paying salaries, we are left with between N100 million and N200 million,” he said.

AbdulRazaq further disclosed that several states are already paying workers above the statutory minimum wage, with some implementing salaries of up to N100,000.

“I urge Your Excellency, let’s have a discussion on moving the minimum wage to a minimum of N100,000.

We know we will get support from you as we go ahead to implement that,” he said.

President Tinubu signed the National Minimum Wage Act in June 2024, raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. The law also provides for a review of the wage every three years.

The previous minimum wage of N30,000 was approved in 2019 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari