Alia, Sanwo-Olu, 13 other governors ready to pay ₦70,000 new minimum wage (Full list)

Several state governors have indicated their readiness to implement the newly signed ₦70,000 national minimum wage, a significant increase from the previous ₦30,000, which was approved by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024.

The new minimum wage was introduced after extensive negotiations by the Tripartite Committee, consisting of representatives from organized labor, the private sector, and the federal government.

This increase is seen as a vital step towards alleviating the rising cost of living and improving the welfare of Nigerian civil servants. However, reactions among governors have been mixed. While many state leaders have expressed their commitment to adopting the new wage, some have raised concerns about their financial capacity to meet these new obligations.

According to reports from Tribune, some governors are optimistic, believing the new wage will enhance workers’ livelihoods and stimulate economic growth. In contrast, others fear that limited financial resources could impede their ability to implement the new wage effectively, potentially disrupting public services.

Here’s a list of governors who have committed to implementing the new ₦70,000 minimum wage:

1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
   During the Workers’ Day celebration on May 1, 2024, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured civil servants that his administration would implement the new minimum wage. In a recent live interview on Channels TV, he revealed plans to raise the minimum wage to ₦85,000, having already discussed this with labor unions.

2. Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe State)
   On October 15, 2024, Gombe State announced a new minimum wage of ₦71,451 for state civil servants and local government employees following successful negotiations with organized labor.

3. Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)
   Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his readiness to implement the new minimum wage, approving ₦77,000 for civil servants with immediate effect, as announced by Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.

4. Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State)
   On October 7, 2024, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo approved a new minimum wage of ₦72,500 for state workers, stating that this decision followed deliberations between the union and the government.

5. Charles Soludo (Anambra State)
   Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo announced the commencement of the ₦70,000 minimum wage payments by the end of October 2024 during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.

6. Dikko Radda (Katsina State)
   Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda declared his readiness to implement the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 at the launch of the Community Development Programme on September 5, 2024.

7. Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi State)
   Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State announced during the Ojiji Izhi New Yam Festival 2024 that he would implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage starting in September.

8. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe State)
   Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed his commitment to pay the new minimum wage, as confirmed by Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau.

9. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
   On August 19, 2024, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri announced the approval of the ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.

10. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
    Incumbent Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assured that his administration would comply with the federal minimum wage standards in a statement released on August 6, 2024.

11. Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State)
    Governor Abdullahi Sule announced his administration’s commitment to the new minimum wage on August 6, 2024.

12. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has indicated that paying the ₦70,000 minimum wage would not be overly burdensome for the state, as reiterated by his Chief Press Secretary on July 29, 2024.

13. Babagana Zulum (Borno State)
    Governor Babagana Zulum expressed his intention to adopt the new ₦70,000 wage during an interview with the Nigeria Labour Congress on July 21, 2024.

14. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has stated that his administration prioritizes worker welfare and will adhere to the new minimum wage regulations.

15. Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)
    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State announced plans to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage on July 19, 2024, highlighting measures to ensure compliance.