Minimum Wage: Nigerian Governors and their Enmity Against Workers

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has unified in opposition to a proposed ₦62,000 minimum wage, despite substantial federal allocations. This collective stance of the NGF poses a significant threat to the well-being of Nigerian citizens. Since the establishment of NGF, the forum has rarely contributed positively to the lives of Nigerians, rather frequently uniting to oppose initiatives aimed at improving public welfare.

During President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the NGF strongly advocated for the removal of the fuel subsidy. Former Zamfara State governor Abdulaziz Yari, speaking on behalf of the NGF, infamously declared that the fuel subsidy would must be removed regardless of public opinion, he boldly said to the poor Nigerians, “whether they like it or not, fuel subsidy should must be removed” Now, with the fuel subsidy abolished, the NGF is once again opposing measures that could benefit Nigerian workers, highlighting their role in perpetuating the country’s economic challenges.

Furthermore, many governors have failed to implement the ₦35,000 wage award approved by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu as a palliative measure following the subsidy removal. This refusal is not due to a lack of funds but rather a deep-seated antagonism towards civil servants. The ₦30,000 minimum wage, which was approved since the time of president Buhari, has also been ignored by numerous governors, reflecting a broader disregard for the welfare of public sector employees.

A one governor in the North West region has announced an increase in the minimum wage to ₦30,000, starting from June 2024, which the previous governors had refused to implement. This move comes amid criticism of the federal government’s handling of wage negotiations, with accusations that the government is not committed to providing a living wage as promised.

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has rejected the proposed ₦60,000 minimum wage, citing concerns about its sustainability. Critics argue that this stance represents a powerful minority imposing its will over the majority, noting that ₦60,000 is insufficient compared to the actual needs of workers. Even a minimum wage of ₦100,000 would be inadequate given the current economic realities.

Earlier reports by The Spectacles which indicated that the federal government, based on documents presented to President Tinubu by Finance Minister Wale Edun, was willing to consider a ₦105,000 minimum wage. However, following the NGF’s objections to the ₦60,000 proposal, the federal government reversed its decision and allegedly falsified the report. This has led to accusations that the NGF is merely executing the federal government’s agenda.

President Tinubu has expressed a commitment to providing Nigerian workers with a living wage, but faces significant resistance from state governors. Is the federal government using the NGF as a scapegoat for denying workers the living wage it promised earlier? This opposition raises a crucial question: why do politicians persistently resist policies aimed at improving the lives of workers, who are essential to the nation’s functioning?

Despite receiving substantial funds from the removal of the fuel subsidy, as well as monthly allocations from the federal government and internally generated revenue, many governors continue to neglect the needs of civil servants. It is imperative for these governors to support President Tinubu’s efforts to establish a living wage for Nigerian workers, rather than engaging in sabotage and blackmail.

If the minimum wage remains at a meager ₦62,000, history will judge these governors harshly. The responsibility for blocking the advancement of a living wage will rest squarely on their shoulders, and they will be remembered as the architects of economic hardship for Nigerian workers. The time has come for governors to demonstrate genuine commitment to the welfare of their constituents by supporting a fair and livable minimum wage.

And finally, if the allocation given by the federal government is not enough for them to pay the minimum wage, is it right for them to vent their anger on the workers? What will stop them from forcing the federal government to increase the allocation to cover the minimum wage if what they are saying is true? The more they insist on not accepting the increase in workers’ wages, the more their enmity against workers becomes evident.