Politics

Minimum Wage: Governors can’t Pay Above ₦‎70,000

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 7th, 2024.

Minimum Wage: Governors can’t Pay Above ₦‎70,000

State governors have decided against setting a minimum wage higher than ₦70,000. During a recent meeting in Abuja, the economic assessment led the governors to conclude that wages above this threshold would be unsustainable.

Suggestions of a ₦100,000 minimum wage were dismissed.

Sources from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting revealed that the governors discussed proposals between ₦60,000, previously offered to labor by the Federal Government, and ₦70,000, which is currently being implemented by Edo State.

Due to the lack of consensus on a standard amount, a committee was established, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who also leads the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.

This decision aligns with earlier statements by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, emphasizing the need for a wage that is “affordable and sustainable.”

A source from the meeting explained: “We debated the minimum wage and considered options ranging from ₦60,000 to ₦70,000 per month. However, no definitive agreement was reached.

“Governor Uzodimma’s committee will review all proposals and provide recommendations. The NGF will reconvene soon to discuss the committee’s findings.”

The source added: “A ₦100,000 minimum wage is beyond the financial capabilities of any state. Some states are still struggling to pay the previous minimum wage of ₦30,000, with a few even stuck at ₦18,000. Currently, only one state has adopted the ₦70,000 wage.”