Minimum Wage Increases and the Welfare of Civil Servants in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: A Comparative Analysis of Lagos and Osun States
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Date
2025-06-21
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Publisher
Gusau International Journal of Management and Social Sciences (GIJMSS), Federal University Gusau.
Abstract
This study examines the impact of minimum wage increases on civil servants' welfare within the
context of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, focusing on Lagos and Osun States. Minimum wage policies
play a crucial role in addressing economic inequality and improving living standards, yet their
effectiveness in Nigeria faces significant challenges. The study employs both quantitative and
qualitative methods, analysing survey data from civil servants to assess the effectiveness of
minimum wage policies in addressing welfare issues. A total of 400 questionnaires were
distributed, with 347 valid responses returned. Quantitative analysis using descriptive and
inferential techniques, alongside thematic analysis of qualitative data, reveals that while minimum
wage increments aim to improve living standards, challenges such as budget limitations, inflation,
and administrative inefficiencies hinder their implementation. In Osun State, economic
constraints, including delayed salary payments, emerged as significant barriers, while in Lagos,
higher internally generated revenue enables smoother implementation, though rising living costs
erode purchasing power gains. The study concludes that barriers such as inflation, budgetary
constraints, and administrative challenges eroded and limit the benefits of minimum wage and
recommends regular assessments, strengthened administrative capacity, and complementary
welfare programs to enhance its effectiveness.