President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 on Monday, July 29, 2024, a substantial increase from the previous ₦30,000.
This decision comes after a series of intense negotiations by the Tripartite Committee, which comprised representatives from Organized Labour, the private sector, and the federal government.
However, the committee failed to reach a unanimous agreement before the federal government implemented the new wage structure.
The new minimum wage is seen as a significant effort to address the rising cost of living in the country and improve the welfare of Nigerian civil servants.
Tinubu's administration has positioned this as part of broader reforms aimed at alleviating economic pressures on ordinary Nigerians.
Despite the widespread support from civil servants and labor unions, the implementation of the new wage has been met with mixed reactions from state governors.
Some governors have expressed their willingness to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage, seeing it as a necessary step toward improving workers' lives.
On the other hand, several governors have voiced concerns over their state's financial capacity to sustain the increased wage bill, especially in states already struggling with limited revenues and large debts.
Here are some state governors who have announced their readiness to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage:
1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State):
During Workers' Day on May 1, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos State civil servants that his administration would implement the new minimum wage. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed on August 10, 2024, that the state had been paying above the minimum wage even before it was officially approved.
2. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State):
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has affirmed his readiness to implement the new minimum wage. On July 19, 2024, Osun State's Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, stated that Adeleke's administration is committed to workers' welfare and will adhere to the new wage law.
3. Godwin Obaseki (Edo State):
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State had already started paying the new minimum wage of ₦70,000, even before President Tinubu signed the bill into law.
4. Hyacinth Alia (Benue State):
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State confirmed on July 19, 2024, that his administration is prepared to pay the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. He also noted that measures have been implemented to block financial leakages and ensure proper payment.
5. Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno State):
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed his commitment to paying the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. This was reported by Borno State's Nigeria Labour Congress chairman, Inuwa Yusuf, on July 21, 2024.
6. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State):
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, through Chief Press Secretary Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated on July 29, 2024, that implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage would be manageable. Olanrewaju highlighted that the governor's commitment to meeting the new wage requirement remains firm.
7. Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State):
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has indicated readiness to pay the new minimum wage. On August 6, 2024, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, confirmed the administration's commitment to worker welfare and stated that payments would begin soon.
8. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State):
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has shown his willingness to implement the new minimum wage. This was announced on August 6, 2024, in a statement from the Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip.
9. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State):
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State announced on August 19, 2024, that the new ₦70,000 minimum wage has been approved for civil servants. He described this as a reaffirmation of his administration's commitment to workers' welfare.
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