REVEALED: All the Governors that have shown intention to pay N70,000 New Minimum Wage (see list)

August 21, 2024

20 3 minutes read

In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu signed into law a new national minimum wage of N70,000 on Monday, July 29, 2024, raising it from the previous N30,000.

This decision came after a series of meetings involving the Organised Labour, private sector, and federal government representatives, who ultimately failed to reach a consensus on the new wage through the Tripartite Committee.

The increase is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the rising cost of living and enhancing the welfare of Nigerian civil servants. However, the implementation of the new minimum wage at the state level has sparked mixed reactions among governors.

While some governors have expressed their willingness to implement the new wage, others have voiced concerns about their financial limitations, questioning their ability to meet the new pay standard.

Below is a list (compiled by Tribune) of some state governors who have declared their readiness to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage.

1. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State announced the approval of the new N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants on Monday, August 19, 2024. He described this move as a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of state workers.

2. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
As the gubernatorial election in Ondo State approaches, incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, has expressed his readiness to implement the new minimum wage. This was confirmed in a statement on August 6, 2024, by Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, who emphasized that the state would comply with the federal standard under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

3. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has also expressed his administration’s readiness to pay the new minimum wage. On July 19, 2024, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, stated that Adeleke’s administration prioritizes worker welfare and will fully comply with the new wage law.

4. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured civil servants during Workers’ Day celebrations on May 1, 2024, that his administration would implement the newly approved minimum wage. He emphasized his commitment to creating a more inclusive society where workers’ needs are prioritized.

5. Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State announced his administration’s preparedness to pay the new N70,000 minimum wage. Speaking in Makurdi on July 19, 2024, he revealed that measures have been taken to ensure funds are available, including blocking financial leakages.

6. Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State)
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State expressed his administration’s willingness to pay the new minimum wage. On August 6, 2024, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, confirmed the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare. Governor Sule also announced that promotions from 2019 to 2023 would be implemented. However, he cautioned that the full implementation of the new wage might take up to two years due to financial constraints. He explained that if the wage increase adds N800 million to monthly expenses, the state may not have the capacity to immediately meet this obligation.

7. Babagana Zulum (Borno State)
In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on July 21, 2024, Inuwa Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Borno State, revealed that Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed his willingness to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage. He emphasized that the governor is committed to aligning with the Federal Government’s wage standard for civil servants in the state.

8. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated on July 29, 2024, that paying the new N70,000 minimum wage would not pose a significant challenge for the state government. Mr. Olanrewaju recalled that during the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration, the governor had promised to adhere to whatever national minimum wage was set, and that commitment remains firm.