The economic hardship ravaging Nigeria has left many workers, especially civil servants highly devastated. However, while many states have keyed into the new minimum wage policy of the President Bola Tinubu-led government to help cushion the effects of his policies on Nigerians, at least seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are still dragging their feet......READ THE FULL STORY>>.....READ THE FULL STORY>>
As we speak, the likes of Nyesom Wike, Adeleke, and even Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River have not yet approved the implementation of the minimum wage expected to commence since October.
Relax, we know that you are eager to know these governors. In no time, we will give you a full list of the governors that are still delaying the payment or implementation of the new wage.
Interestingly, 25 states have either started payment or made public announcements regarding the new minimum wage bringing a little sense of relief to workers.
States that have yet to finalize a minimum wage figure include: Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu; Osun, Ademola Adeleke; Cross River, Bassey Otu; Imo, Hope Uzodinma; Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang; Taraba, Agbu Kefas; and the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
It was not until recently that the Governor of Zamfara State began paying the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage.
One cannot begin to imagine how long it may take Zamfara State to implement this new wage.
As a matter of fact, there are reports that the state may face delays in implementing the new ₦70,000 wage.
Also, Governor Dauda Lawal only commenced payment of the old rate in June 2024, even though it had been effective nationwide since April 2019.
Now, as we speak, nothing has been said about the new wage.
Similarly, Sokoto State has not commenced payment, despite Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s prior promise that his administration would be among the first to implement the wage.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke had previously promised to implement the minimum wage, but the state has yet to finalise or start the payment.
Cross River State has also not adopted the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.
On May 1, 2024, Governor Bassey Otu announced a N40,000 minimum wage, but this was prior to the national directive.
According to TUC Chairman Monday Ogbodum, discussions with the state government are ongoing as regards the new wage.
In Imo State, despite Governor Hope Uzodimma’s assurances of commitment to the new wage, civil servants in the state are yet to receive the good news.
Charles Amaru, Vice Chairman of the TUC in Imo, noted that talks with the state government are still ongoing, with expectations of a positive outcome.
Plateau State has remained silent on the matter, while Taraba State has yet to begin payment despite Governor Agbu Kefas expressing readiness to comply.
Now to the FCT.
In Abuja, Minister Wike has also not issued any statements regarding the minimum wage implementation leaving civil servants in frustration as the hardship bites harder.
Meanwhile, workers nationwide continue to express frustration over economic hardships, emphasizing that ₦70,000 is inadequate given the prevailing cost of living.
Civil servants cited high prices for food, fuel, and electricity as significant challenges. A staff member from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, who requested anonymity, criticized labor leaders for accepting the 70,000 Naira minimum wage without factoring in current economic conditions.
“The cost of food, fuel, and other essentials has continued to rise, making it difficult to survive on ₦70,000,” said the staff. “In Abuja, living costs are particularly high, and the amount is simply insufficient.”
In the midst of all these chaos, the Organised Labour said the Tinubu Government betrayed the country’s workforce.
According to them, they accepted the ₦70,000 minimum wage based on Tinubu’s assurance that fuel prices would not be raised further.
However, subsequent fuel price increases in September have led to discontent among labor unions.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero accused President Tinubu of betrayal, stating that the fuel hikes have negated the benefits of the new wage.
“The rising cost of petrol has undermined the impact of the ₦70,000 minimum wage,” Ajaero said.
