Governors Assure Labour of Improved Minimum Wage
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has assured Nigerians and the organised labour that ongoing negotiations will result in a better minimum wage.
This assurance comes amidst a backdrop of disputes over the Federal Government’s proposal of a N62,000 minimum wage, which the governors previously rejected, citing financial constraints that might force some states to borrow to meet salary obligations.
Meanwhile, the organised labour continues to demand a wage of N250,000.
In an emergency meeting held after the Federal Executive Council postponed discussions on the minimum wage to allow President Bola Tinubu to conduct broader consultations, the governors deliberated on various national issues.
The meeting extended into the early hours of Thursday, concluding with a communiqué signed by Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) Acting Director of Media, Ahmed Salihu.
The communiqué highlighted the forum’s discussions on the new national minimum wage and their commitment to engaging with key stakeholders to find a mutually acceptable solution.
It read, “The Forum discussed the new National Minimum Wage. The governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution. We remain dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations.”
Additionally, the forum received a presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs on the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up and other ministry activities.
The governors emphasized the importance of implementing the project at the state level as originally conceived, given that states are the primary obligors of the project.
They acknowledged the Ministry of Women Affairs’ efforts in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria.
The communiqué also detailed the governors’ discussions on various World Bank programs being implemented in the states.
These include the HOPE Series of Projects (Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality), Food and Nutrition Security, NFWP-SU (Nigeria For Women Project Scale Up), NG-CARES (Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme), SABER (State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Program), and SPIN (Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project).
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum expressed their willingness to support these programs to ensure their effectiveness nationwide.
They also received a briefing from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, who highlighted the progress made on ongoing fiscal policy and tax reforms.
The governors pledged their support for the committee’s initiatives and committed to collaborating closely to address any challenges that may arise.
“We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country,” the communiqué added.
“Members expressed willingness to continue to provide the much-needed support to ensure programme effectiveness across the country.”
