Oyo State and twenty-seven other states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have yet to establish committees to oversee the implementation of Nigeria’s recently approved N70,000 minimum wage.
Among these states are Plateau, Kebbi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Benue, Enugu, Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, Adamawa, Niger, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Cross River, and Yobe.
In contrast, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo, and Abia have already formed committees to facilitate the new wage’s implementation. Lagos and Edo states have reported that they have started paying the minimum wage.
President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29, 2024, following discussions with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Lagos State, through Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed that the state had been paying above the new minimum wage even before its official approval. “Lagos has been paying more than N70,000,” Omotoso said. “We will continue to do so.”
Edo State has also commenced payment of the new wage.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who chairs the Nigerian Governors Forum, established an 18-member committee on August 1, 2024, to address the wage implementation. Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Government have also set up committees to handle the new minimum wage.
In Gombe and Kogi, concerns about budget constraints have emerged. Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya indicated that the state’s financial limitations would make it difficult to meet the new wage requirements, a sentiment echoed by Kogi State Commissioner for Finance Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris, who has yet to set a timeline for implementation.
Plateau and Kebbi states have indicated a willingness to negotiate with labor unions before finalizing their implementation plans. Plateau State Commissioner for Information Musa Ashoms mentioned that the government would discuss the matter with organized labor, while Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris expressed readiness to engage in fruitful discussions.
In Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu assured that his administration is prepared to implement the new minimum wage despite economic challenges. Similarly, Nasarawa State has outlined plans to begin payments, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has pledged to adhere to the new wage agreement, although he noted that arrears may not be paid retroactively.
Osun and Delta states have announced plans to form committees to handle the new wage, with Delta’s Commissioner for Information Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza confirming that a committee would soon be established.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia also committed to paying the new minimum wage and ensuring its effective implementation.