In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for civil servants across Nigeria, with a promise to review this wage every three years.
Meanwhile only Edo and Adamawa states have started paying the N70,000 minimum wage.
While some states have pledged to implement the new wage by the end of October or by November 1, others have promised to pay above the N70,000 threshold.
However, some states are yet to make any announcements or concrete plans regarding the implementation of the new wage.
Some states are just establishing their implementation committees, while others have declared their inability to pay the N70,000 wage.
Additionally, some are still in negotiations with their state labour unions, and a few are expected to announce the new wage within the week.
Dockaysworld compiled a list of states that have yet to take action concerning the N70,000 minimum wage:
1. Bauchi: The state government has already inaugurated a tripartite technical committee to determine how to implement the new national minimum wage for civil servants.
2. Benue: Governor Hyacinth Alia assured that his administration would pay the N70,000 wage. He acknowledged the difficult economic conditions but emphasized that with improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and plans in place, the government could manage salary payments.
3. Imo: Governor Hope Uzodimma stated that discussions are ongoing between the state government and labour leaders to finalize the payment modalities for the N70,000 minimum wage. He noted that while the new wage is acknowledged, adjustments for senior staff must also be considered.
4. Kaduna: Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Adamu Sama’ila, announced that a committee has been formed to address minimum wage issues. However, the state’s NLC chairman indicated that negotiations have not yet begun, as the National Salary and Wages Commission has not provided a new salary table.
5. Kano: Governor Abba Yusuf is expected to announce a new minimum wage structure after receiving the committee’s report next week, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to civil servants’ welfare.
6. Nasarawa: Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed readiness to implement the N70,000 minimum wage. However, concrete actions are yet to be taken.
7. Osun: Civil servants have criticized the delay in implementing the new wage. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, mentioned that a committee is finalizing its work to seek necessary approvals.
8. Oyo: Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has not yet made a decision on the new minimum wage. The Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, emphasized the need for consultations with relevant stakeholders before announcing any new wage policy.
9. Plateau: The state government has stated its intention to pay the new minimum wage but has not specified when this will happen. Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, mentioned ongoing discussions with unions to ensure realistic commitments.
10. Sokoto: Governor Ahmed Aliyu initially promised prompt implementation but has since remained silent on the matter. The Commissioner for Information, Sambo Bello Danchadi, reassured that the new wage would be paid, though no specific timeline has been provided.
11. Taraba: Currently adhering to the N30,000 minimum wage, Governor Agbu Kefas has committed to implementing the new wage but has yet to provide further details.
12. Yobe: A 10-member committee has been established to discuss the new national minimum wage.
13. Zamfara: The state is still paying the old N30,000 minimum wage.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a warning, stating that they will not accept any payments below the new minimum wage in the October salary payments due to rising living costs and economic challenges.
The union has set an October deadline for all governors to implement the new wage, or they may face industrial actions.
