See the Names of the 27 States and FCT Yet to FormMinimum Wage Committees
As of now, 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have not yet established committees to implement the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage. The states still pending are Plateau, Kebbi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Benue, Enugu, Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, Adamawa, Imo, Ebonyi, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Cross River, and Yobe.
Conversely, seven states—Kano, Kwara, Osun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo, and Abia—have already formed committees for the new minimum wage. Lagos and Edo are the only states that have begun paying the new minimum wage.
President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage law on July 29, 2024, following discussions with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria.
**Lagos and Edo Progress**
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, noted that Lagos was already paying above the new minimum wage before the law was enacted. He mentioned that Lagos workers previously received around N77,000, so the N70,000 minimum wage poses no issue for the state. Edo State has also confirmed the commencement of payments under the new minimum wage.
**Committees Established**
On August 1, 2024, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, established an 18-member committee to oversee the implementation of the new wage. Similarly, Kano State has formed an advisory committee, and Jigawa State set up a 10-man panel on August 8. Borno and Ondo states have also inaugurated their committees, with Ondo working diligently on implementation.
In Oyo State, Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade reported that a committee was set up months ago to advise on minimum wage implementation. Abia State Governor Alex Otti announced that a committee was formed prior to the bill becoming law and that provisions for the wage increase are being made.
**Challenges in Implementation**
Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed concerns about the state’s ability to pay the new minimum wage due to budget constraints. Similarly, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Finance, Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris, indicated that no date has been set for the wage implementation, citing a lack of information.
**Negotiations and Future Plans**
Plateau State’s Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, mentioned that the state plans to finalize its stance on the minimum wage after negotiating with labor unions. Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris also plans discussions with labor leaders to establish implementation modalities.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu assured that his administration is prepared to implement the new wage despite economic challenges. Nasarawa State has announced plans to begin payments soon, while Bayelsa State has committed to honoring the agreed wage, although it may not cover arrears due to the recent law’s signing.
Osun State plans to set up a committee next week for minimum wage implementation, and Delta State has also indicated it will establish a committee. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia stated that his administration will implement the new wage and prevent any potential issues in its execution.
