Reps Propose ₦3,500 Daily Wage For Unskilled Labour In Rural Areas
The House of Representatives has introduced a bill seeking to guarantee a ₦3,500 daily wage for unskilled labourers participating in rural development projects across Nigeria. Titled the National Integrated Rural Development Bill, 2025, the proposed legislation aims to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable growth in agrarian communities nationwide.
Sponsored by Marcus Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State, the bill also proposes the establishment of the National Integrated Rural Development Agency. The agency will coordinate rural initiatives, ensure employment for at least 100 days per year for participating households, and reserve one-third of all job opportunities for women.
According to Onobun, the initiative seeks to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas, enhance food security, and empower local communities through coordinated planning and fair wages. The bill is expected to undergo a second reading in the coming weeks.
