Amidst the ongoing debate over a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum emphasizes that it has yet to finalize a sustainable payment plan for states. In a statement issued by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazag, it was underscored that the 37-member tripartite committee tasked with setting the national minimum wage is still in deliberation. Despite recent wage adjustments, Abdulrazag stated that the committee, of which they are members, has not concluded its discussions.
Governors are currently evaluating their fiscal capacities as individual state governments and assessing the potential consequences of various proposals to establish a feasible minimum wage. This comprehensive review aims to ensure that any agreed-upon wage structure is sustainable for the states. Despite the challenges, the governors reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the negotiation process and express confidence that equitable wages will be the eventual outcome.
In the midst of these deliberations, organized labor has submitted a proposal advocating for a monthly minimum wage of N615,000, urging the federal government to endorse it. Despite concerns about the sustainability of such a substantial increase from the current N30,000 minimum wage, labor unions argue that their demand is justified given the present economic realities in the country.
