In a nationwide update, at least 20 states have commenced or are set to begin payment of the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage to their workers this week.
This increase, up from the previous N30,000, was achieved through negotiations between the federal government, organized private sector, and labor centers, leading to a signed agreement on July 18 and subsequently into law on July 29 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Following the wage adjustment guidelines issued by the Federal Government’s consequential adjustment committee, chaired by Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack, states have progressively joined in adopting the new wage. While many states are aligning with the Federal Government’s rate, some states, including Lagos and Rivers, have announced even higher minimum wages, with top figures reaching N85,000.
State-by-State Payment Overview: Numerous states, such as Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom, are leading with an N80,000 minimum wage. Abia, Adamawa, and others are maintaining the N70,000 baseline, while a few states, such as Lagos, have opted for a more generous minimum of N85,000. This increase has been largely attributed to recent boosts in federal allocations, reportedly averaging N1.1 trillion monthly since June 2023.
State Responses and Labor Commentary: Deputy Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Tommy Okon, called out governors delaying wage implementation as “insensitive” given the increased state revenues. Okon noted that states receiving augmented allocations have “no excuse” to delay wage increments.
Regional Wage Announcements:
- Bayelsa: Governor Douye Diri has approved an N80,000 minimum wage effective November 1, along with a significant allocation to address outstanding pension liabilities.
- Ebonyi: Governor Francis Nwifuru announced an N75,000 wage during a mass in Abakaliki, emphasizing the economic relief it would bring to workers.
- Abia: Information Commissioner Okey Kanu confirmed that Abia’s N70,000 minimum wage will be implemented within days, reflecting the government’s commitment to worker welfare.
- Enugu: Governor Peter Mbah highlighted labor as a key economic driver, backing the N80,000 wage for the state’s workforce.
- Anambra: Governor Chukwuma Soludo assured that after deductions, workers would receive no less than N70,000.
Some states, such as Osun, are in the final stages of negotiations, while others, including Benue, are still deliberating on a suitable rate.
This wage update continues to highlight both state compliance and challenges in achieving uniform wage standards across Nigeria, with a clear message from labor advocates for all states to ensure timely compliance with the new wage structure.
