Nigerian Governors’ Forum Announces Stance on New Minimum Wage

Members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have reiterated their commitment to ensuring increased wages for workers in their respective states. This assurance came during a virtual meeting held on Wednesday, as the governors commended workers nationwide for their dedication and patience.

In a communique issued on Thursday, May 2, signed by the NGF’s chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, the governors affirmed their ongoing engagement in the process. They acknowledged recent wage adjustments while emphasizing the ongoing consultations within the 37-member tripartite committee on the National Minimum Wage.

The communique stated: “The forum celebrates the dedication and patience of workers across the country as we collaborate with the Federal Government, labor unions, private sector, and relevant stakeholders to arrive at an implementable national minimum wage.”

“We remain committed to the process and assure that improved wages will be the outcome of ongoing negotiations.”

The governors also discussed the revised National Policy on Justice (2024 -2028) from the recently concluded National Summit on Justice held on April 24 and 25 in Abuja. They committed to considering recommendations from the summit, including legal amendments and administrative improvements, to strengthen the justice sector in their respective states.

Additionally, the governors expressed condolences to their colleagues from Yobe, Rivers, and Ogun States over recent petrol and gas tanker explosions and recommended measures for the proper maintenance and training of truck drivers to prevent future incidents.

Furthermore, the forum welcomed the outgoing and incoming Country Directors of the World Bank, discussing the bank’s vision for transitioning and expressing confidence in the collaboration’s continuity.

They also received presentations on the National Human Capital Development Program and the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms, pledging support for proposed revisions and strategies to enhance development initiatives across various sectors.