The Nigeria Labour Congress attributes the state governors’ reluctance to pay the new minimum wage to their excessive desire for wealth.
The NLC emphasizes that the state governors have no valid reason to withhold payment of the N70,000 minimum wage.
According to the NLC, if the governors can allocate the same hefty salaries to themselves, then it is obligatory for each of them to also offer the new wage to their workers.
Akeem Ambali, the National Treasurer of the NLC, expressed in an interview with NewsNow, that any governor claiming inability to pay the minimum wage is acting maliciously.
Ambali criticized Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa, for stating that the state couldn’t afford the new wage.
He questioned, “Why is Gombe Governor able to grant himself a salary equivalent to that of Lagos and Rivers, yet claims incapability to pay the N70,000 minimum wage? It is an unjust act showing disrespect to the hardworking employees dedicated to developing the state.”
“Workers are entitled to fair treatment. His statement reflects unresponsive leadership. We will take action against any states refusing to pay the minimum wage.
“Between May 29, 2023, and now, state allocations have significantly risen by over 120%, accompanied by infrastructure support that does not align with the development seen in their states.
“The governors’ insatiable desire for wealth and lack of regard for the value of labor are reasons behind their reluctance to meet the minimum wage demands.”
He urged Nigerians, particularly those protesting against poor governance, to question their respective state governors on how they are utilizing the increased federal allocations.
Ambali highlighted that the effective date for the new minimum wage is expected to be around May 2024 but subject to negotiation.
In contrast, the Sokoto State Government has pledged to enforce the new minimum wage approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a town hall meeting on the declared nationwide protest by some youths, Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, assured, “The Sokoto State Government is prepared to implement the newly approved national minimum wage as directed by the President.”
He acknowledged the current economic challenges in the country and the impact on the citizens, emphasizing the government’s commitment to address the hardships faced nationwide.
It is worth noting that Sokoto State Government is already implementing the N30,000 minimum wage for its civil service employees.
Similarly, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, affirmed readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with state union leaders regarding the new minimum wage.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the governor’s dedication to improve the welfare of state workers.
In Kogi State, the Commissioner for Finance, Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris, mentioned that there is no set date yet for the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage recently signed into law by President Bola Tunubu.
On a different note, Nasarawa State government has expressed readiness to comply with the Federal Government’s new N70,000 national minimum wage for workers nationwide.
Speaking in Lafia, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, revealed the state government’s detailed plans to initiate the new wage payment.
He conveyed the governor’s assurance to remunerate workers according to the agreement reached between the federal government and organized labor.
In Kano State, an Advisory Committee on the New National Minimum Wage has been established by the government.
The committee was inaugurated at the Government House by the state Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, on behalf of the governor.
Additionally, the Plateau State Government shared intentions to review the N70,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government for workers after engaging in negotiations with organized labor.
Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, affirmed that the government would disclose its stance on the matter post-negotiation with labor unions.
Ashoms stressed, “Our figures and decisions will be communicated to the public when finalized. While we may not follow the exact template of the Federal Government on this, we deeply care about the well-being of our civil servants and citizens.”