Fed Govt Calls on Recalcitrant States to Implement New Minimum Wage

On Monday, the Federal Government called on states yet to implement the new ₦70,000 national minimum wage to begin payments immediately.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made this appeal while affirming the government’s commitment to enforcing the new minimum wage in full. Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Senator Akume emphasized that the Federal Government is resolute in ensuring workers receive fair compensation, describing the wage policy as comprehensive and uncompromising.

“The Federal Government is totally committed to this. There’s no half measure about this at all—it’s full implementation,” Akume stated, underscoring the administration’s dedication to delivering a fair wage to Nigerian workers.

Senator Akume noted that President Bola Tinubu prioritized the minimum wage issue early in his administration by forming a tripartite committee to review wage adjustments. This committee comprised representatives from the federal government, state governors, and the organized private sector, who collectively reached a consensus on the new wage threshold.

According to Akume, some states have already started implementing the increase, with a few even surpassing the ₦70,000 standard. He commended these states for their prompt action and expressed hope that others would soon follow suit.

“We applaud those who have begun. For those who haven’t, we urge them to start the payment,” he remarked.

Akume further stressed the importance of timely compliance from all states, encouraging them to honor their commitments to workers. He noted that the matter of a fair wage has been central to President Tinubu’s administration, and the tripartite committee’s review was comprehensive and thorough.

Senator Akume’s comments followed his recent meeting with President Tinubu, marking his first official engagement with the President after the recent cabinet reshuffle. When asked about the meeting’s purpose, Akume described it as a routine discussion on state matters.