Politics

See How Governors Give Promise of hope for Improved Minimum Wage Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 27th, 2024.

See How Governors Give Promise of hope for Improved Minimum Wage Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Nigeria Governors

By Abdulrahman Zakariyau

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has reassured Nigerians and the organized labour that the ongoing negotiations will lead to an improved minimum wage.

Previously, the governors rejected the Federal Government’s proposal of N62,000, arguing that some states would need to borrow money to meet the salary requirements. However, the organized labour continues to push for a wage of N250,000.

An emergency meeting was convened by the governors after the Federal Executive Council postponed discussions on the minimum wage on Tuesday, allowing President Bola Tinubu to conduct broader consultations. During the meeting, the Forum discussed the new National Minimum Wage and agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution. “We are dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations,” they stated.

The 36 state governors also emphasized the importance of the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up and the need to implement it at the state level, given the states’ primary responsibility for the project.

In a communiqué, the Forum said, “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), deliberated on issues affecting the country during our meeting today. We received the Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Mr. Taimur Samad, and his team to discuss the bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including the HOPE Series of Projects: Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality, Food and Nutrition Security, NFWP-SU: Nigeria For Women Project Scale-Up, NG-CARES: Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme, SABER: State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Program, and SPIN: Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project.

“Members expressed their willingness to continue providing the necessary support to ensure the effectiveness of these programs across the country.

“Additionally, we received a briefing from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, who highlighted the progress made on the ongoing Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. He sought the input and support of their excellencies on several proposals that would directly impact the subnational level of government.”