Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North, has declared that state governors can no longer justify withholding payment of the new minimum wage for their workers by citing low revenue, given the improved federal allocation payments to their coffers.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshiomhole emphasized the consensus among concerned parties regarding the necessity to increase the minimum wage, acknowledging that the current N30,000 wage is inadequate in light of the rising cost of living.
He criticized governors for purchasing expensive cars while claiming revenue limitations as an excuse for not implementing the new wage, emphasizing the need to align wages with market forces.
Oshiomhole highlighted the erosion of workers’ purchasing power due to inflation and stressed the importance of increasing wages commensurate with rising prices.
While discussions between the government and workers continue, there was an expectation that a new minimum wage would be announced on Workers Day.
Meanwhile, Governor Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa State expressed readiness to implement any agreed-upon minimum wage at the national level, citing improved revenue allocations to states and the ability to pay more.
Abdullahi acknowledged the need for better pay for Nigerian workers and affirmed that states can afford to increase wages, pointing to increased revenue and ongoing negotiations.
Despite rising monthly allocations, some state governors are yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage, posing challenges for civil servants in those states.
