[By Abigail Philip David]
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved a nationwide increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. However, the implementation of the new wage has been uneven across states, with some yet to adopt it. Meanwhile, several states have not only pledged to meet the N70,000 mandate but have committed to paying even higher wages.
Below is a list of states that have announced plans to pay above N70,000:
Lagos State:
On October 16, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that Lagos State workers would receive a new minimum wage of N85,000, which is N15,000 above the federal standard. He acknowledged the higher cost of living in Lagos and aims to increase the wage further to N100,000 by January 2025.
Ogun State:
Governor Dapo Abiodun approved a minimum wage of N77,000 on October 15, 2024. The state government made this official through a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.
Gombe State:
An agreement was reached between the Gombe State government and the Nigeria Labour Congress on October 14, 2024, setting the minimum wage at N71,451.15.
Ondo State:
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during his campaign for re-election on October 12, 2024, announced a minimum wage increase to N73,000 for state workers.
Kogi State:
Governor Usman Ododo approved a minimum wage of N72,500 for Kogi State civil servants, with immediate effect. He also suspended tax deductions on the increased amount for one year.
States Adopting the N70,000 Minimum Wage:
– Anambra State: Governor Chukwuma Soludo confirmed that the state would begin paying N70,000 starting in October 2024.
– Katsina State: Governor Dikko Radda committed to implementing the N70,000 minimum wage.
– Ebonyi State: In September 2024, Governor Francis Nwifuru approved N70,000 for state employees.
– Adamawa State: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri implemented the N70,000 wage for both state and local government workers in August.
– Oyo State: Governor Seyi Makinde announced his administration’s readiness to pay the new minimum wage after addressing issues of consequential salary adjustments.
– Borno State: Governor Babagana Zulum declared that Borno State would begin paying the new minimum wage in October 2024.
– Osun and Benue States: Both states have signaled their readiness to adopt the N70,000 minimum wage.
States Yet to Announce Implementation:
Jigawa, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa are among the states that have not yet announced when or if they will implement the new minimum wage.
