In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu recently signed into law a new national minimum wage of N70,000, up from the previous N30,000. This decision follows extensive discussions and disagreements among the Organised Labour, private sectors, and federal government representatives.
While the new wage aims to address the rising cost of living and improve civil servants’ welfare, its implementation at the state level has elicited varied responses from governors across Nigeria. Some governors have expressed their readiness to adopt the new minimum wage, while others have voiced concerns about financial constraints.
Here’s a list of governors who have committed to implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage:
- Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
Governor Fintiri announced on August 19, 2024, that Adamawa State will adhere to the new minimum wage, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
Governor Aiyedatiwa has pledged to implement the new minimum wage as part of his campaign for the upcoming gubernatorial election. This commitment was confirmed by Ondo State’s Head of Service on August 6, 2024.
- Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
Governor Adeleke affirmed on July 19, 2024, that Osun State will adhere to the new wage law, highlighting his administration’s focus on workers’ well-being.
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured during Workers’ Day celebrations on May 1, 2024, that Lagos State will implement the new minimum wage, demonstrating his administration’s dedication to equitable worker compensation.
- Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)
Governor Alia confirmed on July 19, 2024, that Benue State is prepared to pay the new minimum wage, following measures to curb financial leakages.
- Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State)
Governor Sule expressed commitment to paying the new wage but noted potential delays due to financial implications. He anticipates starting payments within the next two years, subject to the state’s financial capacity.
- Babagana Zulum (Borno State)
Governor Zulum has pledged to adopt the new minimum wage, as reported by the Borno State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress on July 21, 2024.
- Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
Governor Makinde declared on July 29, 2024, that Oyo State will implement the new minimum wage, maintaining his earlier commitment made during the 2024 Workers’ Day.
These governors’ readiness to implement the new wage underscores their commitment to addressing workers’ needs amid challenging economic conditions.
