During a virtual meeting held on Wednesday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) reiterated its commitment to providing an improved and lasting minimum wage for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and all workers.
Earlier in the year, President Bola Tinubu set up a tripartite committee consisting of representatives from the government, labour unions, and the private sector to evaluate the N30,000 minimum wage set during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The NLC and TUC recently put forward a proposition of N615,000 as the new minimum wage to the committee.
Despite the recent May Day celebrations, the government has not announced a new minimum wage, stating its hesitation to accept the labour’s proposal.
In a communique released after the virtual meeting, signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the NGF disclosed that the 37-member tripartite committee responsible for reviewing the National Minimum Wage is still engaging in consultations and has not finalized its deliberations.
The NGF stated that they are evaluating the financial capacity of each state government and the potential impacts of various proposals to establish an elevated minimum wage that can be realistically sustained by the states.
Part of the communique read, “The Forum extends its appreciation to workers nationwide for their commitment and patience as we collaborate with the Federal Government, labour unions, organized private sector, and other stakeholders to agree on a workable national minimum wage.
“While we recognize the recent wage adjustments and awards, it is important to note that the 37-member tripartite committee, tasked with the National Minimum Wage review, is still in the consultation phase and yet to conclude its work.
“As committee members, we are evaluating our individual fiscal capabilities as state governments and the potential consequences of various recommendations to determine an enhanced minimum wage that we can sustainably afford. We are dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will be the inevitable result of ongoing negotiations.”
The NGF also applauded the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, and welcomed the incoming Country Director, Ndiame Diop.
The communique stated, “Chaudhuri praised the Forum for its strategic role in coordinating collective efforts for development.
The NGF communique added, “He commended the non-partisan nature of the forum, the professionalism of its Secretariat, and the commitment of state governments to mutual accountability mechanisms such as performance-based financing interventions by the Bank. Members expressed confidence in Mr. Diop’s leadership and anticipate a continued and strengthened partnership.
The Forum discussed the revised National Policy on Justice (2024 -2028) following the National Summit on Justice held on April 24th & 25th, 2024. Members agreed to consider the summit’s recommendations that relate to their respective states, consisting of suggested legal amendments, administrative enhancements, and policies to fortify the justice sector.
Additionally, the forum pledged to address matters regarding the remuneration of state judicial officers and the enhancement of court infrastructure.
“The forum was briefed by the National Human Capital Development (HCD) Program – Core Working Group Secretariat, led by Ms. Rukaiya El-Rufai and Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab. They highlighted the progress made by states towards Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI) in areas like health, nutrition, education, and workforce involvement.
After reviewing the previous program design and national strategy, a revised governance and implementation plan was proposed to amplify the impact and ensure sustainability. Members pledged their support for effective adoption of the proposed revisions to the national HCD strategy.”
Furthermore, the Forum offered condolences to the Governors of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, following the incidents of a petrol tanker explosion and a gas explosion on April 26th and 27th, 2024, respectively.