Governors of the 36 states of Nigeria, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have opted for more consultation with key stakeholders regarding the new minimum wage proposal to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
In a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting held in the early hours of Thursday, and signed by its chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the governors assured their dedication to the ongoing negotiation process.
“The Forum discussed the New National Minimum Wage. The Governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution. We remain dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations,” the communiqué stated.
The governors had recently expressed concerns about the federal government’s proposed ₦60,000 minimum wage, warning that it was unsustainable. They argued that implementing such a wage would result in many states allocating their entire monthly federation account disbursements solely to salary payments. Consequently, they urged the tripartite committee to agree on a fair and sustainable minimum wage.
The Federal Government had announced on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu would engage in further consultations before reaching a decision on the new minimum wage.
During the meeting, the Forum members also deliberated on issues affecting the country, including receiving the Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Taimur Samad, and his team to discuss the Bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states. These programmes include HOPE – Series of Projects: Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality, Food and Nutrition Security, NFWP-SU: Nigeria For Women Project Scale Up, NG-CARES: Nigeria Community Action (for) Resilience and Economic Stimulus Program, SABER: State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Programme, and SPIN: Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project.
“Members expressed willingness to continue to provide the much-needed support to ensure programme effectiveness across the country,” the communiqué stated.
The members also received a briefing from Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. “He highlighted the progress made regarding the ongoing Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. He sought the input and support of their excellencies on a number of proposals which would directly impact the subnational level of government. Members pledged their support for the Committee to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and to collaborate closely to address any challenges that may arise,” the communiqué noted.
Additionally, the Forum received a presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, on the World Bank–Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up and other activities of the Ministry. “Members noted the importance of the project and emphasized the need to implement it at the state level as initially conceived, as the states are the primary obligors of the project. The governors acknowledge the work and contributions of the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.
