On Monday, July 29, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law a new national minimum wage of N70,000, an increase from the previous N30,000.
This decision came after the Tripartite Committee, comprising representatives from organized labor, the private sector, and the federal government, was unable to reach a consensus during negotiations.
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The revised minimum wage is intended to address the rising cost of living and improve the welfare of Nigerian civil servants.
However, the announcement has elicited mixed reactions from state governors. While some have expressed readiness to implement the new wage, others have raised concerns about their financial ability to do so.
Here is a list of state governors who have confirmed their readiness to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage:
Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
On Workers’ Day, May 1, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos State civil servants of the new minimum wage implementation. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed on August 10, 2024, that the state had been paying above the minimum wage even before its official approval.
Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State affirmed his administration’s commitment to the new minimum wage on July 19, 2024. Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, assured that the government is dedicated to workers’ welfare and will adhere to the new wage law.
Godwin Obaseki (Edo State)
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State began paying the new minimum wage of N70,000 prior to the official signing of the bill into law by President Tinubu.
Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)
On July 19, 2024, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State confirmed his administration’s readiness to implement the N70,000 minimum wage. He also noted that measures had been put in place to prevent financial leakages and ensure proper payment.
Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno State)
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State committed to paying the new minimum wage. This commitment was reported by Borno State’s Nigeria Labour Congress chairman, Inuwa Yusuf, on July 21, 2024.
Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, through Chief Press Secretary Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated on July 29, 2024, that the N70,000 minimum wage would be manageable. The governor remains firm in his commitment to meeting the new wage requirement.
Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State)
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State expressed readiness to implement the new minimum wage. His Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, confirmed on August 6, 2024, the administration’s commitment to worker welfare and indicated that payments would commence soon.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has shown willingness to implement the new minimum wage. This was announced on August 6, 2024, by the Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip.
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State announced on August 19, 2024, that the N70,000 minimum wage has been approved for civil servants, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
