States Governors Affirms to pay only sustainable minimum wage

Governors yesterday sounded a note of caution to workers against unduly high expectations from the minimum wage negotiations.

States will pay only implementable and sustainable wages, they said, but expressed commitment to improved salaries for workers.

Members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said they would ensure workers in their states earn more than they currently do.

The Federal Government on January 30 inaugurated a 37-man Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage.

As members of the committee, we are reviewing our individual fiscal space as state governments and the consequential impact of various recommendations to arrive at an improved minimum wage we can pay sustainably,” the governors said.

Their position is contained in a communique issued on Wednesday after a virtual meeting – the same day workers marked May Day across the country.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is demanding a N615,000 national minimum wage per month.

It said the figure was a product of a painstaking effort through which it captured the cost of living of Nigerian workers and masses in all parts of the country.

Labour said the figure was essentially an outcome of independent research conducted by the NLC and Trade Union Congress on the cost of meeting the primary needs of an average family.

The current N30,000 minimum wage expired on April 18.

Minister of Labour and Employment (State) Nkeiruka Onyejeoacha told workers that the new minimum wage when approved will take effect from April 1.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also told workers at the May Day rally that the Federal Government is committed to a living wage for workers.

He hinted that the tripartite committee had not agreed.

But Labour threatened a showdown should the minimum wage issue not be resolved by May 31.

Former NLC president, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, urged Labour to make realistic and affordable wage demands that will also be sustainable.