Nigerian Governors Ready to Implement New N70,000 Minimum Wage

On July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed a new national minimum wage of N70,000 into law, replacing the previous N30,000. This move is seen as crucial for addressing the rising cost of living and improving the welfare of Nigerian civil servants. However, state-level implementation has met with varying responses, as some governors are ready to comply, while others cite financial constraints.

Here’s a list of governors who have expressed readiness to implement the new minimum wage:

1. **Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) ** Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos State civil servants on Workers’ Day, May 1, 2024, that his administration would implement the new wage, emphasizing his commitment to workers’ welfare.

2. **Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)** Governor Adeleke, through the state’s Commissioner for Information on July 19, 2024, confirmed his administration’s readiness to pay the new wage, prioritizing workers’ welfare.

3. **Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)** Governor Makinde, via his Chief Press Secretary on July 29, 2024, stated that the Oyo government would not struggle to pay the new wage, affirming his pledge during the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration.

4. **Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)** On August 19, 2024, Governor Fintiri announced the approval of the new minimum wage for Adamawa State civil servants.

5. **Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)** Governor Alia, on July 19, 2024, assured that his administration had implemented measures to ensure payment of the new wage.

6. **Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State)** Governor Sule revealed on August 6, 2024, that his administration is committed to workers’ welfare, but noted that full implementation might take up to two years due to financial constraints.

7. **Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)** Governor Aiyedatiwa, ahead of the Ondo gubernatorial election, confirmed on August 6, 2024, his willingness to implement the new wage, as announced by the state’s Head of Service.

8. **Babagana Zulum (Borno State)** Governor Zulum expressed his commitment to paying the new wage through the state’s Labour Congress Chairman on July 21, 2024.

However, as the new minimum wage law takes effect, the readiness of state governments to implement it will be closely monitored. While some governors have shown a clear commitment to paying the N70,000 wage, the financial realities of others may delay its full implementation. The coming months will reveal how these pledges translate into action and what it means for the welfare of Nigerian workers.