The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has assured both Nigerians and organized labor that the ongoing negotiations will result in a better minimum wage. Previously, the Governors had rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N62,000 minimum wage, indicating that some states would need to borrow funds to meet salary obligations. Despite this, labor unions continue to demand a wage of N250,000......READ THE FULL STORY>>.....READ THE FULL STORY>>
An emergency meeting was convened by the Governors after the Federal Executive Council postponed discussions on the minimum wage to allow President Bola Tinubu to engage in broader consultations. A communiqué released after the meeting, signed by NGF acting Director of Media Ahmed Salihu, detailed that various issues impacting the nation were discussed, including the new national minimum wage. The Governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
The communiqué stated, “The Forum discussed the new National Minimum Wage and agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution. We remain dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations.”
Additionally, the Forum received a presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs on the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up and other activities of the ministry. The governors acknowledged the importance of these projects and emphasized the need to implement them at the state level as originally conceived. They recognized the contributions of the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria.
The Governors also met with the Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Taimur Samad, and his team to discuss various programs being implemented in the states. These include the HOPE Series of Projects, Food and Nutrition Security, Nigeria For Women Project Scale Up, Nigeria Community Action (for) Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme, State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Program, and Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project. The Governors expressed their commitment to supporting these programs to ensure their effectiveness across the country.
Furthermore, the Forum received a briefing from Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. He highlighted the progress of ongoing fiscal policy and tax reforms and sought the Governors’ input and support for proposals impacting subnational governments. The Governors pledged their support to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and to collaborate closely to address any arising challenges.
