Decision On Uniform Wage Award By 19 Northern Governors

The governors of the 19 northern states, collectively known as the Northern Governors’ Forum, have reportedly reached an agreement to implement a uniform wage award for workers in the region. The disclosure was made by Ayuba Suleiman, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Kaduna State, during an interaction with newsmen. This collective decision has led to a delay in announcing the wage award in some states, including Kaduna.

In addition to addressing the wage award for state civil servants, Suleiman mentioned that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has committed to paying the December salary bonus and providing additional palliatives to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on state workers.

Suleiman stated, “We have written to the government through the Head of Service, and they have replied, assuring us that they are preparing for negotiations. The northern governors are working towards deciding on a uniform wage, and a meeting was held on Friday, December 14, 2023. However, the specific outcome of the meeting is yet to be disclosed.”

Regarding the implementation of the new minimum wage set to take effect on April 1, 2024, in Kaduna State, there is uncertainty, as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mohammed Lawal-Shehu, has not provided a clear response as of the time of this report.

The situation in other northern states varies, with Benue State indicating that negotiations are ongoing, while Borno State awaits a negotiation process with its labour and trade union leaders. In Ekiti State, the organized labour expresses optimism about reaching a compromise with the state government on the wage award.

Edo State plans to engage in discussions with labour unions to determine a new minimum wage, emphasizing that the state currently pays above the minimum wage. Similarly, Osun State is set to commence payment of the wage award to workers in December.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevweri has included a provision for a likely salary increase by the Federal Government in the 2024 budget, while negotiations with labour are ongoing. Kogi State’s organized labour emphasizes diplomatic efforts to press the government for palliatives following the fuel subsidy removal.

In Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq outlines plans for a new minimum wage negotiation in the upcoming year, as the state presents a budget that allocates 61% to capital expenditure and 39% to recurrent expenditure.

Meanwhile, Abia State confirms plans to increase the salaries of its workers in the New Year, reflecting the current economic realities. In Ogun State, the workforce is eagerly awaiting the constitution of a negotiation committee by Governor Dapo Abiodun to address the proposed wage award.

As developments unfold, states continue to navigate the complexities of wage negotiations, with a focus on ensuring fair compensation for their workforce.