Nigerian Governors Finally Reveal New Minimum Wage Amount

Governors from Nigeria’s 36 states have revealed their position on the issue of a new minimum wage in the country.

The Governors expressed that a minimum wage exceeding N70,000 is neither affordable nor sustainable for their budgets.

During a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to address the economic climate and the ongoing minimum wage debate, the Governors reviewed options ranging from the Federal Government’s offer of N60,000 to the N70,000 currently implemented by Edo State.

Despite extensive discussions, they couldn’t agree on a single figure and consequently established a committee led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to evaluate the options and provide recommendations.

According to insiders at the meeting, the governors concur that a minimum wage of N100,000 is unrealistic, with several states still struggling to meet the current N30,000 minimum wage set in 2019.

“Some states are still paying N18,000 because they cannot afford the N30,000 wage. Only one state has adopted a N70,000 wage,” an insider revealed.

This stance aligns with a previous statement by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who emphasized that states would only agree to a minimum wage that is both affordable and sustainable.

In related news, the Presidency on Thursday refuted claims that Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun had proposed a new minimum wage of N105,000 to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, labeled these reports as false, clarifying that no such proposal had been made.