As inflation and the rising cost of living continue to affect workers in Nigeria, several state governors have announced new minimum wage adjustments. These governors are offering wages above the ₦70,000 national benchmark, demonstrating efforts to address economic hardships faced by their workers. Below are details on each governor’s decision:
1. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) – ₦85,000
On October 16, 2024, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos announced a new minimum wage of ₦85,000, aiming to alleviate the high cost of living in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital. He also expressed an intention to raise this to ₦100,000 by January 2025 to further support public workers.
2. Governor Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State) – ₦85,000
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved a minimum wage of ₦85,000 on October 18, 2024, providing immediate relief to state civil servants amidst economic challenges.
3. Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu State) – ₦80,000
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State confirmed an increase to ₦80,000 for state workers, citing a commitment to improving their welfare. The announcement followed the presentation of a committee report addressing minimum wage adjustments.
4. Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) – ₦80,000
Akwa Ibom’s Governor Umo Eno unveiled a minimum wage of ₦80,000 for civil servants and formed a committee to oversee its implementation, to be completed within a month. The administration aims to sustain this through strategic budgeting and resource allocation.
5. Governor Mohammed Bago (Niger State) – ₦80,000
Niger State’s Governor Mohammed Bago announced an increase to ₦80,000, effective November 2024. Bago emphasized the wage’s sustainability, supported by the state’s agricultural initiatives and proposed “civil service farms” to boost productivity among workers.
6. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State) – ₦77,500
Delta State’s new minimum wage of ₦77,500 was approved for implementation at the end of October 2024. This decision was confirmed during a meeting between the government and key labor unions in the state, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
7. Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State) – ₦77,000
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State raised the minimum wage to ₦77,000 as of October 15, 2024, in response to rising living costs. The increase was officially announced by Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government.
8. Governor Nasir Idris (Kebbi State) – ₦75,000
In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 on October 23, 2024. Murtala Usman, chairman of the NLC in Kebbi, confirmed the update, highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting its workforce.
9. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State) – ₦73,000
Ahead of the November 16 governorship election, Ondo State’s Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa increased the minimum wage to ₦73,000 on October 12, 2024. The announcement was part of his campaign to gain support for his administration’s welfare policies.
10. Governor Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State) – ₦72,500
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State raised the minimum wage to ₦72,500 and implemented a one-year suspension on tax deductions from this new amount, providing additional relief to state employees. The change takes effect immediately.
11. Governor Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe State) – ₦71,500
On October 15, 2024, Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State signed an agreement with the NLC to set a new minimum wage at ₦71,500, showing a commitment to supporting workers despite financial constraints.
These increases by Nigerian governors highlight a trend towards addressing inflationary pressures and improving public workers’ welfare. With adjustments spanning various regions, these decisions signal efforts to meet the economic realities facing Nigerian workers in 2024.
