• Adamawa Commences Payment; Ogun Workers Left in the Dark
Public servants across several Nigerian states may have to wait longer to receive the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, according to recent findings. This delay is largely due to the absence of a consequential adjustment scale from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which is essential for detailing the pay structure for workers under the new wage dispensation.
Reports from various correspondents indicate that while many states are committed to implementing the new minimum wage, progress is hindered by the lack of the official document from the NSIWC.
Adamawa Leads the Way
Despite the delay in other states, Adamawa State has already begun paying the new wage to its workers, with local government employees expected to start receiving their increased salaries next month.
Delta Labour Leaders Request Delay
In Delta State, labour leaders have requested that the state government delay implementation “in the best interest of workers” until the official template is received from Abuja. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman in the state, Mr. Goodluck Ofobruku, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Mr. Martins Bolum, emphasized that funds for the new minimum wage are already included in this year’s budget. They expressed concerns about potential discrepancies if the implementation begins with lower-level workers before the final template is available.
Kano Committee Yet to Submit Report
In Kano State, the committee established to guide the government on implementing the new wage has yet to submit its report. Information Commissioner Baba Dantiye, a committee member, cited extensive adjustments based on available data as the cause for the delay. Labour leaders in the state are awaiting the consequential adjustment table from the NSIWC to proceed with negotiations.
Kaduna, Bayelsa, and Other States Await Template
In Kaduna State, NLC Chairman Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman stated that negotiations with the state government are on hold pending the release of the new salary structure from the NSIWC. Similarly, Bayelsa State NLC Chairman Mr. Simon Barnabas attributed the delay in implementing the new minimum wage to the absence of the relevant circular from the federal government.
In Ogun State, workers are anxious due to the lack of communication from the state government regarding the wage increase. TUC Chairman Akeem Lasisi assured workers that organized labour is prepared to engage with the government once the appropriate circular is received.
Widespread Delays Across Other States
The situation is similar in Imo, Anambra, Kwara, and Rivers states. Labour leaders in these states have emphasized the need for a federal government template to begin negotiations. In Imo State, TUC Chairman Comrade Uchenna Ibe Great stated that no negotiations have commenced as the state awaits the federal template.
Anambra State’s implementation committee, established by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has yet to meet due to the same delay.
Plateau, Osun, and Ondo Begin Preparations
Plateau State Information Commissioner Musa Ashoms assured that the state government would make the implementation of the new minimum wage public once the modalities are ready. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has also set up a committee to handle the implementation, while Ondo State continues discussions with labour representatives, with an agreement expected soon.
Rivers State Pledges Swift Implementation
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has promised that the state will be among the first to implement the new minimum wage as soon as the federal government releases the necessary guidelines. He emphasized the importance of the civil service in maintaining government stability and expressed a commitment to supporting workers.
