Benue, Lagos, 7 other states ready to implement ₦70,000 minimum wage (Full list)

On Monday, July 29, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enacted into law a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, a notable increase from the previous rate of ₦30,000. This development follows extensive negotiations by the Tripartite Committee, which included representatives from Organized Labour, the private sector, and the federal government.

Despite these discussions, the committee was unable to reach a unanimous consensus before the federal government proceeded with the new wage structure.

The increase aims to address the rising cost of living and enhance the welfare of Nigerian civil servants. The Tinubu administration has framed this wage adjustment as part of a broader effort to relieve economic pressures on ordinary Nigerians.

The implementation of the new minimum wage has been met with a range of reactions from state governors. While many have expressed support, some have raised concerns about their states’ financial capacity to sustain the increased wage obligations, particularly those already grappling with limited revenues and substantial debts.

Several governors have confirmed their readiness to adopt the new ₦70,000 minimum wage:

1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State): Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos State civil servants on Workers’ Day, May 1, 2024, that the new minimum wage would be implemented. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed on August 10, 2024, that the state had been paying above the minimum wage even before the official approval.

2. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State): Governor Adeleke committed to implementing the new minimum wage, with Osun State’s Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, affirming the administration’s dedication to worker welfare on July 19, 2024.

3. Godwin Obaseki (Edo State): Governor Obaseki had already begun paying the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 prior to the bill’s formal signing by President Tinubu.

4. Hyacinth Alia (Benue State): Governor Alia confirmed on July 19, 2024, that his administration would implement the new wage, emphasizing efforts to block financial leakages and ensure proper payment.

5. Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno State): Governor Zulum expressed his commitment to the new minimum wage, as reported by Borno State’s Nigeria Labour Congress chairman, Inuwa Yusuf, on July 21, 2024.

6. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State): Governor Makinde stated on July 29, 2024, through Chief Press Secretary Sulaimon Olanrewaju, that the ₦70,000 minimum wage would be manageable and reaffirmed his commitment to meeting the new wage requirement.

7. Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State): Governor Sule indicated readiness to pay the new minimum wage, with his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, confirming the administration’s commitment on August 6, 2024.

8. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State): Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed willingness to implement the new wage, as announced on August 6, 2024, by the Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip.

9. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State): Governor Fintiri announced on August 19, 2024, that the new ₦70,000 minimum wage has been approved for civil servants, underscoring his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.