Politics

The Report of Southwest Governors Discuss on Minimum Wage and Regional Issues

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 10th, 2024.

The Report of Southwest Governors Discuss on Minimum Wage and Regional Issues

The Southwest governors have emphasized that the ongoing negotiations on the minimum wage between the Federal Government and organized labor should be aligned with the principles of fiscal federalism.

Following a meeting of the Southwest governors, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who chairs the forum, announced the outcomes of their discussions on Monday. The meeting took place in Lagos, and Governor Sanwo-Olu shared details via his X handle, indicating that the governors are committed to supporting the results of the minimum wage negotiations.

In addition to the wage discussions, the governors also addressed various regional issues. Sanwo-Olu wrote, “After concluding our South West Governors’ Forum meeting today at Lagos House Alausa, Ikeja, I have been elected as the new chairman of the forum.”

He paid tribute to the late chairman, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN, CON, expressing condolences and wishing for his soul to rest in peace. The meeting led to several key resolutions:

1. South West Development Commission Bill: The governors expressed gratitude to the House of Representatives and the South West Caucus for their work on the bill and urged the Senate to expedite its passage.

2. Infrastructure Projects: They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project and other initiatives, while calling for further federal road rehabilitation.

3. Security: The governors noted the peaceful state of the region and advocated for the establishment of state police. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies and the Amotekun Corps.

4. Minimum Wage Negotiations: The governors reaffirmed their support for the ongoing minimum wage discussions, emphasizing the need for outcomes that reflect fiscal federalism.

5. Mineral Resources: They endorsed the Federal Government’s efforts in the mineral sector and called for increased collaboration with states in granting leases to investors.

6. Economic Integration: The governors agreed to enhance the efficiency of the DAWN Commission, focusing on economic integration to drive the development and prosperity of the Southwest states.