Twenty-seven states, along with the Federal Capital Territory, have not yet established committees to implement the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage. The states that have yet to take action include Plateau, Kebbi, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Benue, Enugu, Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, Adamawa, Niger, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Cross River, and Yobe.
In contrast, seven states—Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo, and Abia—have formed committees to oversee the implementation of the new wage. Notably, only Lagos and Edo have reported that they have begun paying the minimum wage.
On July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law following discussions with leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. This legislation aims to improve the earnings of workers across the country.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, remarked that the state had been providing wages above the newly established minimum before it was officially enacted. He noted that the lowest-paid state worker in Lagos was earning approximately N77,000, indicating that the new minimum wage posed no challenge for the state.
Similarly, the Edo State Government announced that it had also commenced payments in line with the new minimum wage. This proactive approach reflects the state’s commitment to adhering to the new regulations.
On August 1, 2024, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, initiated an 18-member tripartite committee to determine the details for implementing the new minimum wage. This committee includes representatives from the state government, labor unions, and the Organized Private Sector.
Additionally, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has set up an advisory committee to address the new minimum wage requirements. These efforts highlight the ongoing steps being taken by various states to comply with the recent legislation and ensure fair compensation for workers.
