States Governors in dilemma over N70,000 minimum wage

In respect to the new minimum wage, state governors of Abia, Rivers, Delta, Imo, Kano, others are undecided if they can afford paying the new minimum wage while Nasarawa, Enugu, Akwa Ibom are set to pay new wage.

In spite of the deal struck between the federal government, Labour and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to fix the minimum wage at N70,000, most states appear to be non-committal about the agreement.

While many states have resolved to do further consultations before taking a decision, others prefer to wait for other states to make a move before they decide on the next step.

In Delta State, for instance, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, told our correspondent on the telephone yesterday that the decision on wage increment is “a complex situation requiring a complex resolution”.

He, however, expressed confidence that the state governor, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, “will in his wisdom do the appropriate thing”.

While hoping for the intervention of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in the matter, Emu said the situation might not be different from what obtained during the last wage increase where some states were able to pay and others were unable.

“Recall that Delta State was one of the first states in the country to implement the 30,000 minimum wage in 2019.

“You can rest assured that our governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is committed to the welfare of workers in the state.”