On Monday, July 29, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially signed a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 into law, a significant increase from the previous ₦30,000. This development came after prolonged negotiations involving the Tripartite Committee, which includes representatives from Organized Labour, the private sector, and the federal government. Despite the lack of consensus during the negotiations, the new wage policy is viewed as a critical measure to address the rising cost of living and improve the welfare of Nigerian civil servants.
Reactions to the new minimum wage have been mixed among state governors. While some have eagerly pledged to implement the wage increase, others have voiced concerns about their states’ financial capacities to meet the new standard.
Here are some of the governors who have confirmed their commitment to the ₦70,000 minimum wage:
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State): Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the Workers’ Day celebration on May 1, 2024, assured Lagos State civil servants of his administration’s readiness to implement the new minimum wage. Lagos State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, further confirmed on August 10, 2024, that the state had been paying above the minimum wage even before it was officially approved.
- Ademola Adeleke (Osun State): Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has committed to implementing the new minimum wage. On July 19, 2024, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, reaffirmed that the Adeleke administration is dedicated to workers’ welfare and will comply fully with the new wage law.
- Godwin Obaseki (Edo State): Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has been proactive in implementing the new minimum wage, having begun paying the ₦70,000 wage even before the official signing of the bill into law.
- Hyacinth Alia (Benue State): Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State announced on July 19, 2024, that his administration is ready to pay the new minimum wage. He emphasized that measures have been put in place to prevent financial leakages, ensuring that the wage payment process is efficient and reliable.
- Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno State): Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed his administration’s commitment to implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage. The Borno State Nigeria Labour Congress chairman, Inuwa Yusuf, confirmed this commitment on July 21, 2024.
- Seyi Makinde (Oyo State): Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, announced on July 29, 2024, that the state is capable of managing the new wage. Olanrewaju reiterated Governor Makinde’s dedication to ensuring that civil servants receive the new minimum wage as mandated.
- Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State): Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has also expressed readiness to implement 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, indicating that the new wage payments would commence shortly.
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State): Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has indicated his willingness to implement the new minimum wage. This commitment was made public on August 6, 2024, through a statement issued by the Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip.
- Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State): Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State approved the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage on August 19, 2024. He described this move as a reaffirmation of his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of civil servants.
These governors’ commitments are seen as positive steps toward ensuring that civil servants across Nigeria receive fair compensation amidst the country’s challenging economic conditions.
