EFFECT OF MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE ON THE STANDARD OF LIVING AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS IN OTUKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE

The issue of minimum wage has remained central to discussions on labor welfare and social equity in Nigeria. As the cost of living continues to rise, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, there is increasing concern over whether wage adjustments have effectively improved the standard of living for public sector workers. This study investigates the impact of minimum wage increases on the standard of living of civil servants in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. With the 2019 adjustment of the national minimum wage from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000, this research evaluates whether the policy change has translated into tangible improvements in housing, healthcare access, and educational affordability for local government employees. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 240 civil servants across various departments. The study applied multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS to assess the relationship between minimum wage and key standard of living indicators. Findings revealed that while educational expenses showed a statistically significant positive impact on standard of living, improvements in housing affordability and healthcare access were not significant. This suggests that, although the wage increase alleviated educational burdens for many, persistent inflation and implementation challenges limited its broader welfare impact. The study recommends that wage reviews be complemented with targeted social policies, especially in rural areas, to ensure holistic improvements in civil servants’ quality of life.