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Urgent Call to Action: FG Demands States Implement N70,000 Minimum Wage Now!

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 29th, 2024.

Urgent Call to Action: FG Demands States Implement N70,000 Minimum Wage Now!

The Federal Government has urged state governors who have yet to adopt the new national minimum wage of N70,000 to do so promptly.

This appeal was made by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, during a press briefing following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Akume emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring fair wages for workers, noting that the minimum wage issue has been a priority for President Tinubu since he took office. A special committee, which included representatives from the federal government, state governors, and the private sector, was formed to evaluate and agree on a just wage, resulting in the approval of the N70,000 minimum wage.

While several states have begun implementing the new wage—some even exceeding N70,000—others have not yet complied. Akume commended those states for their progress and encouraged the lagging states to follow suit quickly.

He stated, “The new minimum wage has always been a key concern for President Tinubu’s administration, which is why he established a tripartite committee to address the matter comprehensively. The participation of governors, the federal government, and the private sector ensured a collaborative approach in determining the new wage.

“We are pleased with the progress made so far, as many states have started paying the new minimum wage, with some offering even higher amounts. We call upon those states that have not yet begun to implement the payment to take action.”

States currently paying the new minimum wage include Ogun, Ekiti, Sokoto, Kebbi, Osun, Enugu, Borno, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Gombe, Kano, Taraba, Delta, Rivers, Jigawa, Abia, Edo, Lagos, Adamawa, and Akwa Ibom.