At least 20 states in Nigeria have announced the commencement of the newly approved minimum wage, raising the amount from N30,000 to N70,000 following extensive negotiations between the Federal Government, Organised Private Sector, and Labour Centres. While the Federal Government has already begun disbursements, states are also moving forward with payments, with some exceeding the federal benchmark.
Lagos and Rivers states currently lead with the highest state-level minimum wage of N85,000, followed closely by Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom, each offering N80,000. The availability of increased revenue through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), particularly after the removal of the petrol subsidy, has bolstered states' capacities to implement these higher wages. Since June of the previous year, FAAC has distributed an average of N1.1 trillion monthly among federal, state, and local governments.
Notable State Commitments
Ebonyi State: Governor Francis Nwifuru, during a recent church service, confirmed that his administration would raise the wage to N75,000. He emphasized that this decision reflects an understanding of current economic hardships facing the workforce.
Abia State: Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, revealed that the state would roll out the N70,000 minimum wage this month, following the Alex Otti-led government’s commitment to worker welfare.
Enugu State: Governor Peter Mbah formalized the N80,000 wage, reinforcing the belief that a well-compensated workforce contributes to wealth creation within the state.
Anambra State: Governor Chukwuma Soludo clarified that, after deductions, workers should expect a net pay close to N70,000, despite a gross range of N78,000 to N84,000.
Ongoing Negotiations
In Osun, the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Chief of Staff, is set to meet with labour leaders this week to finalize consequential adjustments. Similarly, Benue State is awaiting a report from its own wage committee to determine an appropriate figure.
Trade Union Congress (TUC) Deputy Chairman, Mr. Tommy Okon, underscored the urgency of adopting the new wage, urging any governor yet to comply to avoid insensitivity toward the plight of workers. The TUC maintains that, with enhanced revenue inflows, all state governments are well-positioned to honour this revised minimum wage.
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