After President Bola Tinubu signed the new national minimum wage of N70,000 into law on Monday, 29 July 2024, up from the previous N30,000, many states have begun to express readiness to either adopt the new N70,000 wage benchmark or pay above the federal government.
Tribune Online reports that 21 state governors have confirmed their readiness to pay state workers at least N70,000 monthly.
However, some states have exceeded the national benchmark by indicating their willingness to pay N80,000 or more as the minimum wage within their jurisdictions.
In this article, Tribune Online looks at the list of these states.
1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured civil servants during the Workers’ Day celebration on 1 May 2024 that his administration would adopt the newly approved minimum wage.
He emphasised his government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society where workers’ interests are prioritised.
In a recent development, Sanwo-Olu revealed during a live interview on Channels TV’s “One-on-One with Babajide Sanwo-Olu” on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, that the state is prepared to implement a minimum wage of N85,000. He noted that discussions on the matter had already taken place with labour unions.
2. Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State)
The Rivers State Government has approved a new minimum wage of N85,000 for civil servants.
The Head of Service, George Nwaeke, made the announcement on 18 October 2024 following a closed-door meeting involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, labour leaders, and senior government officials. Nwaeke confirmed that the new wage would be implemented immediately.
3. Peter Mbah (Enugu State)
Joining the list of governors approving a minimum wage of N80,000 and above, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for state workers, effective October 2024.
He announced this decision on 24 October 2024 through his official X account. Emphasising the importance of this move for Enugu’s workforce, Mbah stated that his administration appreciates the workers’ dedication and sacrifices and remains committed to prioritising their welfare in line with its campaign promises.
4. Douye Diri (Bayelsa State)
Also, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for civil servants, effective 1 November 2024.
In addition, he has authorised an increase in the monthly pensions for retired workers and allocated N7 billion to address outstanding gratuity liabilities.
The governor’s spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, revealed these decisions in a statement on Sunday, 27 October 2024, emphasising that Governor Diri recognises the challenges workers face due to the rising cost of living.
5. Mohammed Umaru Bago (Niger State)
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has announced a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants in both state and local government, effective November 2024.
This announcement followed an extensive meeting with the state’s Organised Labour Union on 25 October 2024, during which the governor committed to regularly reviewing and improving wages for the state’s workers.
6. Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe State)
Gombe State workers have joined the growing list of civil servants whose governors have expressed willingness to implement the new national minimum wage.
On October 15, 2024, the Gombe State Government approved a new minimum wage of N71,451 for state civil servants and local government employees.
This decision follows successful negotiations between the government and organised labour, ensuring that the lowest-paid workers in the state now receive the new national minimum wage.
7. Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)
Dapo Abiodun, the executive governor of Ogun State, has joined the growing list of governors ready to implement the new minimum wage.
The governor expressed his readiness to pay the new national minimum wage and approved N77,000 as the new minimum wage for Ogun State civil servants, with immediate effect.
This development was disclosed on October 14, 2024, by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, following a meeting with the leadership of organised labour in the state.
8. Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State)
Civil servants in Kogi State will soon have reason to smile as Governor Ahmed Ododo approved N72,500 as the new minimum wage for state workers.
On October 7, 2024, the governor announced that the payment would take effect immediately. He noted that, after deliberations between the union and the government, the committee arrived at a position that balances the interests of both the workers and the state.
9. Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi State)
The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, is also among the state governors who are ready to pay above the new minimum wage of N70,000.
There was jubilation at the State Government House Chapel, Abakaliki, on October 27, 2024, after the governor approved the payment of N75,000 as the new minimum wage to civil servants.
