A total of 27 states and the FCT have yet to form minimum wage committees. Discover the complete list of these states and regions.
Currently, the implementation of the recent N70,000 minimum wage has not been enforced in 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to a lack of necessary committees.
The states under consideration are Plateau, Kebbi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Osun,Ekiti,Zamfara,Benue.Enugu,Taraba,Gombe,Kogi, Adamawa,Niger ,Anambra ,Imo,Ebonyi,Oyo,Akwa Ibom,Bauchi,Katsina,Kaduna,Cross River,and Yobe.
On the other hand, committees for minimum wage have been established in seven states including Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo and Abia. Lagos and Edo are the only states that confirmed having already commenced payment of minimum wage.
On July 29, 2024, after holding talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria leaders, President Bola Tinubu endorsed the new minimum wage legislation.
The forefront is being led by Lagos and Edo.
During a recent conversation, Gbenga Omotoso – the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy – verified that Lagos has been compensating its employees above the freshly introduced minimum wage.
This is evident from the fact that even workers at lower tiers are receiving an estimated N77,000 as compensation. He expressed his assurance regarding state’s continued compliance with or surpassing of necessary minimum wage standards .
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In like manner, initiation of the new wage payments has been declared by the Edo State Government.
Committees being Established by States
An 18-member tripartite committee was established by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who also chairs the Nigerian Governors Forum on August 1, 2024.
The purpose of this committee is to develop an implementation strategy for the new wage and it contains representatives from labor unions, state government as well as Organised Private Sector. Meetings have already begun for this initiative.
An advisory committee has been established by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and Jigawa State subsequently formed a 10-man committee on August 8. More recently, Borno State inaugurated a panel consisting of 22 members while Ondo State is said to be making dedicated efforts towards implementing their own committee’s recommendations.
The Commissioner for Information in Oyo, Dotun Oyelade reported that a committee had been established several months prior.
The committee comprised labor stakeholders and government officials whose role was to offer direction on the new wage plan.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State stated that a committee was established prior to the bill being signed into law by the Federal Government, and preparations are underway in the state to comply with the new regulations regarding salary adjustments.
Obstacles and Opposition
Nonetheless, the Northern States Governors’ Forum leader and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has raised apprehensions regarding the financial burden that the new wage might impose on his state.
He hinted at potential challenges in meeting the N70,000 minimum wage requirement due to economic constraints. Similarly, Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Finance revealed that there was no firm timeline yet established for implementing this salary hike.
Negotiation being the preferred choice of states.
The Commissioner for Information in Plateau, Musa Ashoms stated that the state’s position would be made clear following discussions with organized labor.
The Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris also indicated his eagerness to engage in talks with union leaders from the state to identify a practical resolution.
At a recent town hall meeting, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State reaffirmed the state’s readiness to implement the new wage despite several national economic and security hurdles.
Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Abdullahi Sule in Nasarawa State, revealed that payment plans have been put into motion. In Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah – spokesperson for Governor Douye Diri – emphasized that previous commitments had been made with regards to wages being paid; however arrears may not be included due to recently passed legislation.
Establishment of Committees Imminent
According to the spokesperson for the governor, Rasheed Olawale, Osun State is scheduled to establish its implementation committee next week. Likewise, Delta State plans to create a committee as confirmed by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza who serves as their Commissioner for Information. Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has pledged his commitment towards paying the new minimum wage and ensuring revenue leakages are blocked in order to facilitate seamless execution.
