Following a series of negotiations and alignment with federal guidelines on consequential adjustments, nine out of Nigeria’s 36 states have committed to paying their workers above the newly set national minimum wage of N70,000.
The states are split into two categories based on wage levels: those offering N80,000 or more and those providing above N70,000.
In the first category, Rivers State leads with the highest minimum wage at N85,000, followed by Bayelsa, Niger, and Akwa Ibom States, each offering N80,000.
The second category is led by Ogun State at N77,000, with Kebbi (N75,000), Kogi (N72,500), Kaduna (N72,000), and Gombe (N71,500) trailing.
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Meanwhile, 20 other states have agreed to pay the N70,000 minimum, with negotiations still ongoing in 16 states.
On October 18, 2024, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara approved an N85,000 minimum wage for state civil servants, following a closed-door agreement with the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Dr. George Nweke, the state’s head of civil service, confirmed that payments would begin in November 2024.
In Niger State, Governor Umaru Bago declared a new minimum wage of N80,000 after comprehensive discussions with labor leaders, led by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman Comrade Idris Abdulkareem Lafene.
The governor stated that payments would commence this month for both state and local government employees.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also endorsed an N80,000 minimum wage effective November 1, 2024.
Governor Diri further approved an increase in pensions and allocated N7 billion to reduce outstanding gratuities, recognizing the impact of rising living costs on workers, according to spokesperson Daniel Alabrah.
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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State approved an N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants and formed a committee led by Effiong Essien, the head of civil service, to ensure smooth implementation, with a month to finalize its report on harmonizing the wage increase.
Gombe State has also approved a new minimum wage of N71,500, set to take effect at the end of October, as announced by Deputy Governor Manasseh Jatau, who chaired the minimum wage negotiation committee.
On October 23, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris announced a N75,000 minimum wage for state workers in Birnin Kebbi. The same day, Kogi State confirmed a N72,500 minimum wage for its civil servants.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani approved N72,000 for workers starting in November 2024. In addition to the wage increase, Sani introduced a free transportation scheme, deploying 100 CNG buses to assist workers with commuting.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun set the minimum wage at N77,000.
While Abiodun had promised to start payments in October, it was reported that a uniform N40,000 was paid to all workers that month, pending completion of the necessary adjustments.
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