Following the recent consensus among the Federal Government, Labour, and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to set the new minimum wage at ₦70,000, several states remain cautious about committing to this wage standard. Delta State exemplifies this caution, with Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, describing the wage increase decision as complex, requiring careful consideration from Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is conducting individual fiscal assessments to determine sustainable payment capabilities. Although various wage adjustments have been acknowledged, the tripartite committee on the National Minimum Wage continues consultations without finalizing recommendations.
Emu emphasized Delta State’s need for deliberation, noting the practical complexities involved beyond spontaneous or emotive responses. He cited past disparities in states’ wage payment capacities under previous increments and anticipates similar challenges.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osouza, assured Delta’s proactive stance once the NGF reaches a consensus, highlighting the state’s history of promptly implementing labour-friendly policies, including the 2019 adoption of the ₦30,000 minimum wage.
Imo State, led by Commissioner for Labour Ford Ozumba, aligns its wage decisions with other states’ actions on the new minimum of ₦70,000, indicating readiness to adjust but refraining from disclosing current wage details.
Similarly, Ebonyi State defers its decision pending ongoing consultations, recognizing varying financial capabilities among states and emphasizing Governor Francis Nwifuru’s commitment to worker welfare through past remuneration improvements.
Rivers State remains undecided, refuting claims of an ₦80,000 wage announcement and promising a forthcoming position statement. Kano State studies the federal agreement before adopting a formal stance, maintaining its current ₦30,000 wage.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke pledges adherence to the new wage law, prioritizing worker welfare as a cornerstone of his administration.
Abia State schedules an economic team meeting to review implications of the new minimum wage, acknowledging past financial constraints in meeting the previous ₦30,000 standard.
Benue State anticipates smooth transition to the ₦70,000 wage, with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration already exceeding current minimums.
Adamawa State awaits gubernatorial guidance on the new wage, despite consistently meeting its current ₦32,000 standard.
Nasarawa State affirms readiness to adjust to governors’ consensus on the ₦70,000 wage, reflecting a commitment to worker welfare since implementing the ₦30,000 minimum in 2019.
Kwara State refrains from immediate comments, awaiting National Assembly ratification before confirming implementation plans.
Akwa Ibom State pledges full compliance with the new wage, while Enugu State prepares for executive council discussions to finalize adjustments.
As states deliberate, the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage across Nigeria remains uncertain, dependent on ongoing consultations and fiscal assessments.