Following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the new N70,000 national minimum wage on July 29, 2024, replacing the previous N30,000, several state governors have expressed their willingness to implement the wage hike. The approval came after protracted negotiations involving the Organized Labour, the private sector, and federal government representatives on the Tripartite Committee, which aimed to address the rising cost of living and improve the welfare of Nigerian workers.
However, the readiness of governors to adopt the new wage has varied, with some enthusiastic about its implementation and others voicing concerns about their states’ financial capacity. Below is a comprehensive list of governors who have declared their willingness to implement the new minimum wage:
1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reassured civil servants during the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration on May 1 that his administration would implement the new minimum wage. In a subsequent live interview on Channels TV’s “One-On-One with Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” the governor revealed that his administration would go beyond the required amount by paying N85,000 as the new minimum wage. This decision, he noted, had been discussed with labour unions.
2. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe State)
Gombe State joined the growing list of states ready to implement the new minimum wage. On October 15, 2024, the state approved a minimum wage of N71,451 for civil servants and local government employees, following negotiations with organised labour. The move ensures the lowest-paid workers in the state will benefit from the increase.
3. Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State announced his readiness to implement the new national minimum wage, approving a new wage of N77,000 for Ogun State civil servants. This announcement was made on October 14, 2024, after a meeting between the government and labour leaders.
4. Usman Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State)
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo approved a minimum wage of N72,500 for state workers on October 7, 2024. The governor stated that the wage increase followed discussions with the unions, ensuring that both the workers’ welfare and the state’s financial situation were balanced.
5. Charles Soludo (Anambra State)
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo confirmed that his administration would implement the N70,000 minimum wage by the end of October 2024. He made this announcement on October 1, 2024, during the Independence Day celebration in Awka.
6. Dikko Radda (Katsina State)
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State also declared his readiness to implement the N70,000 minimum wage during a public engagement event on September 5, 2024. He emphasized the state’s commitment to public service delivery and affirmed that Katsina is well-positioned to adopt the new wage.
7. Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi State)
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has expressed his administration’s commitment to paying the new minimum wage. He revealed this on September 2024 during the Ojiji Izhi New Yam Festival, adding that the necessary steps were being taken to implement the N70,000 wage.
8. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State approved the new N70,000 minimum wage on August 19, 2024. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of state civil servants through the wage adjustment.
9. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
Ahead of the gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa affirmed his administration’s readiness to comply with the new minimum wage law. This announcement was made by the Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, on August 6, 2024.
10. Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State)
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State also confirmed his willingness to implement the N70,000 minimum wage. The governor made the announcement through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, on August 6, 2024.
11. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, revealed on July 29, 2024, that paying the new minimum wage would not be a challenge for the state. The governor had previously pledged during the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration to comply with the national minimum wage when approved.
12. Babagana Zulum (Borno State)
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State was among the first to express his commitment to paying the new minimum wage. The state’s Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman, Inuwa Yusuf, disclosed in an interview that the governor had pledged to adopt the new wage as soon as it was approved.
13. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, through the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed on July 19, 2024, that his administration would pay the N70,000 minimum wage. He added that workers’ welfare remained a top priority.
14. Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State also committed to paying the new minimum wage, stating on July 19, 2024, that his administration had blocked leakages and taken measures to ensure the state could meet the wage payment without difficulties.
As more states commit to implementing the new N70,000 national minimum wage, the responses from governors reflect both optimism and caution. While some governors are fully prepared to adopt the wage, others may face challenges balancing the financial requirements. Nevertheless, the approval of the new wage is seen as a vital step towards improving the living standards of Nigerian civil servants.