As of now, 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have not established the necessary committees to enforce the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage. The states in question include Plateau, Kebbi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Benue, Enugu, Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, Enugu, Adamawa, Niger, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Cross River, and Yobe......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Conversely, seven states—Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo, and Abia—have initiated the formation of these committees. Only Lagos and Edo have reported that they have already started paying the minimum wage.
President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29, 2024, following discussions with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
Lagos and Edo Leading the Way
In a recent discussion, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed that Lagos had already been paying a wage above the new minimum, with the lowest state worker earning around N77,000. He reassured that the state would continue to meet or exceed the new minimum wage requirements.
Similarly, the Edo State Government has also announced the commencement of the new wage payments.
States Setting Up Committees
On August 1, 2024, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who also chairs the Nigerian Governors Forum, established an 18-member tripartite committee to develop the implementation strategy for the new wage. The committee includes representatives from the state government, labor unions, and the Organised Private Sector and has already begun meetings.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has also formed an advisory committee, while Jigawa State followed suit with a 10-man committee on August 8. Borno State has recently inaugurated a 22-member panel, and Ondo State’s committee is reportedly working diligently to ensure implementation.
In Oyo, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, noted that a committee had been formed months ago, comprising labor stakeholders and government officials, to provide guidance on the new wage.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti indicated that a committee had been set up even before the Federal Government signed the bill into law, and the state is making provisions for salary adjustments in line with the new requirements.
Challenges and Resistance
However, Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, has expressed concerns over the financial strain the new wage would place on the state, suggesting that meeting the N70,000 minimum wage could be difficult. Similarly, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Finance, Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris, mentioned that no date had been set for the wage implementation.
States Opting for Negotiation
In Plateau, the Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, mentioned that the state would clarify its stance after negotiating with organized labor. Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, also expressed a willingness to negotiate with state union leaders to find a viable solution.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, during a recent town hall meeting, reassured that the state was prepared to implement the new wage, despite the various economic and security challenges facing the nation.
In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, announced that the state had initiated plans to begin payments. Meanwhile, in Bayelsa, the governor’s spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, highlighted that Governor Douye Diri had earlier committed to paying the wage, though arrears may not be covered since the law was only recently enacted.
Committees to be Established Soon
Osun State is expected to set up its implementation committee next week, according to Rasheed Olawale, the spokesperson for the governor. Delta State has also indicated plans to form a committee, as confirmed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has also committed to paying the new minimum wage, assuring that efforts will be made to block revenue leakages to facilitate smooth implementation.
(PUNCH)