- Organised Labour has set an October deadline for full implementation of the new minimum wage, pressuring all state governors to comply
- Lagos committed to paying ₦85,000 as a minimum wage, with Governor Sanwo-Olu stating it reflects the affordability and capacity of the state
- TheRadar compiled other states that have committed to pay above the new minimum wage
Ahead of the October deadline set by organised labour for the implementation of the new minimum wage, or face potential industrial action, some state governors have announced their commitment to raising the minimum wage to improve the welfare of civil servants.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the new minimum wage on July 29, 2024, after thorough discussions with the Tripartite Committee, which includes members from Organised Labour, the private sector, and the federal government.
Following this, Edo State notably began paying its workers ₦70,000 in June, two months ahead of the official law, while Adamawa State adopted the new wage in August.
In a bid to improve employee welfare amid increasing living expenses, several states have committed to paying more than the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
TheRadar compiled the states below.
6 Nigerian states ready to pay N70k minimum wage
1. Lagos State minimum wage
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu confirmed on October 16 that Lagos State is set to raise its minimum wage to ₦85,000, emphasising his administration's commitment to improving worker welfare.
The Governor said, “I just want to let you know that the minimum wage in Lagos as we discussed with our workers’ union is N85,000 as of today. It is not a competition. I’m not saying that we are paying more than other states. It is a function of affordability and the function of capacity.
“I would like to come back in January to say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos’ public workers to N100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a living wage,” Sanwo-Olu added.
2. Rivers state minimum wage
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved a new minimum wage of ₦85,000 for civil servants, which will take effect from November 2024. The decision came following a closed-door meeting attended by the governor and representatives of Organised Labour under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
The agreement was reportedly reached after thorough discussions, marking a significant step towards improving the financial well-being of public sector workers in the state.
3. Ogun state minimum wage
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved a new minimum wage of ₦77,000 for the state's lowest-paid workers. The decision followed a meeting with the leadership of the Organised Labour in Ogun State, during which both parties reached an agreement.
4. Ondo state minimum wage
The Ondo State government has officially agreed to implement a minimum wage of ₦73,000 for its civil servants, exceeding the national benchmark of ₦70,000 recently signed into law. This development is part of the state's ongoing efforts to enhance worker benefits amid economic challenges.
Speaking on the matter, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed that a committee is currently working on the payment structure. Once the framework is finalised, the new wage will be rolled out for state workers.
5. Kogi state minimum wage
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State announced on October 7 the approval of a ₦72,500 minimum wage for the least-paid workers in the state, alongside the introduction of tax relief measures for all workers. The new wage surpasses the earlier amount approved in July by ₦2,500.
6. Gombe state minimum wage
In Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya approved a new minimum wage of ₦71,500 for civil servants and should take effect in October 2024.
This announcement was made by Yusuf Aish-Bello, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in the state, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the national minimum wage on October 14, 2024.
“Today, we have reached an agreement on what will be paid to civil servants in the state,” Aish-Bello stated.
Speaking further, he said a worker at grade level 1, step 1, will earn ₦71,551.
“It has been agreed that the minimum standard of paying in Gombe State will be N71,551.15 that is for Grade Level 1 step 1.
“You know the salary structure has its intricacies, the N18,000 and N30,000 is nothing to write home about,” Aish-Bello stated.
Private companies stand risk of jail if they pay below minimum wage - Nigerian government warns
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government warned employers in the private sector to pay the new N70,000 minimum wage or risk imprisonment.
Nigerians reacted, some supported the government and others thought it was not possible to implement.