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George Oshogwe Ogbolu
Guest
At least seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have not yet approved the implementation of the minimum wage expected to commence in October this year.
Currently, 25 states have either started payment or made public announcements regarding the new minimum wage.
States that have yet to finalize a minimum wage figure include: Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu; Osun, Ademola Adeleke; Cross River, Bassey Otu; Imo, Hope Uzodinma; Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang; Taraba, Agbu Kefas; and the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Reports indicate that Zamfara State, which recently began paying the previous N30,000 minimum wage, may face delays in implementing the new N70,000 wage.
Governor Dauda Lawal only commenced payment of the old rate in June 2024, even though it had been effective nationwide since April 2019. No statement on adopting the N70,000 wage has been made by the state government.
Similarly, Sokoto State has not commenced payment, despite Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s prior commitment that his administration would be among the first to implement the wage.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke had previously promised to implement the minimum wage, but the state has yet to finalize or start the payment.
Bimbo Fasasi, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun, stated that negotiations are underway, with the committee currently comparing and exchanging proposals.
“We are close to an agreement and expect formal announcements and subsequent implementation soon,” Fasasi said.
Cross River State has also not adopted the new N70,000 minimum wage. On May 1, 2024, Governor Bassey Otu announced a N40,000 minimum wage, but this was prior to the national directive. According to TUC Chairman Monday Ogbodum, discussions with the state government are ongoing.
In Imo State, despite Governor Hope Uzodimma’s assurances of commitment to the new wage, no concrete agreement has been reached.
Charles Amaru, Vice Chairman of the TUC in Imo, noted that talks with the state government are still ongoing, with expectations of a positive outcome.
Plateau State has remained silent on the matter, while Taraba State has yet to begin payment despite Governor Agbu Kefas expressing readiness to comply. Kefas indicated on September 5, 2024, that discussions between the Head of Service and labor representatives were in progress.
The FCT has also not issued any statements regarding the minimum wage implementation.
Meanwhile, workers nationwide continue to express frustration over economic hardships, emphasizing that N70,000 is inadequate given the prevailing cost of living.
Civil servants cited high prices for food, fuel, and electricity as significant challenges. A staff member from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, who requested anonymity, criticized labor leaders for accepting the N70,000 minimum wage without factoring in current economic conditions.
“The cost of food, fuel, and other essentials has continued to rise, making it difficult to survive on N70,000,” the staff member told The PUNCH. “In Abuja, living costs are particularly high, and the amount is simply insufficient.”
A local government employee in Osun State echoed these concerns, saying, “N70,000 barely covers two weeks of expenses. With the ongoing inflation and fuel price hikes, it’s difficult to make ends meet.”
The organized labor accepted the N70,000 minimum wage based on President Bola Tinubu’s assurance that fuel prices would not be raised further.
However, subsequent fuel price increases in September have led to discontent among labor unions.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero accused President Tinubu of betrayal, stating that the fuel hikes have negated the benefits of the new wage.
“The rising cost of petrol has undermined the impact of the N70,000 minimum wage,” Ajaero said. He called on the government to urgently address the economic issues affecting Nigerians, including hunger and poverty, to alleviate widespread frustration.
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