₦70,000 Minimum Wage: Governors Setting Up Implementation Panels
Weeks after President Bola Tinubu’s enactment of the N70,000 minimum wage law, only a few governors have established committees to ensure its implementation. While some states have taken significant steps towards adopting the new wage, others are still in the planning stages or facing challenges.
States with Established Implementation Panels for the ₦70,000 Minimum Wage
Kano State: Governor Abba Yusuf has launched a State Advisory Committee to oversee the implementation of the new wage. The committee, led by Usman Bala, the Governor’s Special Adviser on State Affairs, is tasked with delivering actionable recommendations within three weeks. They will employ data analysis to develop a feasible plan for the state’s implementation.
Kwara State: Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq has inaugurated a consequential adjustment committee to address the new minimum wage. The committee will focus on assessing various factors and crafting an agreement that safeguards workers’ interests. The formation of this committee was confirmed through a statement released via the Kwara State government’s X handle (@followKWSG) on August 2.
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Borno State: Governor Babagana Zulum has set up a committee to review and implement the new minimum wage. The committee includes representatives from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other stakeholders, alongside state government officials.
Jigawa State: Governor Umar Namadi’s administration has formed a committee to develop a framework for implementing the N70,000 wage. Chaired by Head of Service Muhammad Dagacire, the committee also includes Garin Gabas as the secretary. The committee’s formation was announced by Hon. Sagir Musa, Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport, and Culture.
Abia State: Under Governor Alex Otti, Abia State is making strides towards implementing the new minimum wage. The government is collaborating with the NLC to finalize payment details. Otti affirmed that progress is being made and a committee is already in place.
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States Still in Progress
Reports suggest that Ogun and Ondo states have also established implementation panels, though details are scarce. Oyo State has set up a committee a few months ago to advise the government, according to Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade.
In Osun State, spokesperson Rasheed Olawale has indicated that a committee will be formed soon. The Delta State government, as confirmed by Commissioner for Information Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, also plans to establish a committee to handle the new wage implementation.
Financial Constraints and Challenges
Some governors, including Alex Otti and Abba Yusuf, have cited financial constraints and limited federal allocations as barriers to implementing the new minimum wage. Despite these challenges, there is a general commitment among governors to address workers’ welfare and prioritize the new wage.
As states continue to grapple with the logistics of implementing the new minimum wage, the focus remains on ensuring that workers receive their due compensation amidst various administrative and financial hurdles.
