State governors have proposed a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers as part of efforts to cushion them from the biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), disclosed the proposal on Saturday in a post by the state government’s official Facebook page. He said the move aims to improve workers’ welfare while ensuring that government finances remain sustainable.

“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.

“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances.”

The NGF chairman explained that ongoing discussions are focused on balancing the need to boost workers’ purchasing power with the capacity of governments to deliver essential public services and development projects.

“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain projects that directly impact citizens,” he added.

The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national debates on salaries, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to contend with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.

Currently, Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month. Some states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are already paying above the national benchmark to support workers amid the country’s economic challenges.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued to call for a comprehensive review of salaries, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects present-day economic realities rather than merely guaranteeing survival.

Teachers and civil society groups in Oyo State on Friday staged a peaceful but passionate protest in the state capital, demanding urgent government intervention to rescue teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

The protest, organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group in partnership with the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), highlighted growing fears over the safety of schoolchildren and educators in the state.

The abducted victims were taken on May 15, 2026, from Esiele and Yawota communities in Ogbomoso, sparking outrage across the state.

Addressing the demonstrators, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, NTC National President, said the protest was lawful and intended to pressure the government into swift action.

“We are standing with the families of the kidnapped teachers and pupils. Our demand is simple: secure their release immediately and attach security to all government schools. We cannot continue to teach in fear,” Thomas said.

He added that the protest was not against Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he praised for his performance, but stressed the need for continuous updates on rescue efforts.

Responding to the protest, Sunday Odukoya, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, assured participants that the government was actively working to free the abducted teachers and pupils.

“It is your constitutional right to protest and draw attention to this grave matter. Governor Makinde has been personally involved in the rescue operation since the abductions occurred,” Odukoya said.

He also warned that sensitive operational details could not be disclosed publicly to avoid jeopardising ongoing efforts, but reassured teachers that no participant in the protest would face harassment or victimisation.

Despite the assurances, the protesters called for greater urgency, highlighting the trauma faced by the victims in captivity.

“We are appealing to the government’s moral conscience. Our teachers and pupils must be returned safely. This is not a political statement, but a humanitarian call,” the Oyo State Teachers Action Group said.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Rasidi Ladoja, has made it clear that the antecedents and popularity of politicians aspiring to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election will determine their victory, not the mere invocation of his name.

Speaking with journalists at his Bodija residence after leading prayers for Eid-el-Kabir, Oba Ladoja noted that many aspirants had been campaigning using his name.

However, he stressed that the final choice rests with the people.

“Let them use my name to promote themselves if it is meaningful to them. But at the end of the day, it is the people who will decide who rules them, not my name,” he said, describing all politicians in the state as his children.

The monarch also expressed deep concern over the abduction of 39 pupils and teachers in communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

He assured that security agencies and government officials were working behind the scenes to secure their release.

“Government and security agencies are doing their best. It’s just that they cannot reveal their operations for security reasons,” Oba Ladoja added.

On the issue of land disputes, the Olubadan warned that land grabbing in Ibadanland will no longer be tolerated. He urged residents to respect traditional laws and desist from illegal acquisition of land.