Nigerians across the country have taken to social media and other platforms to celebrate governors who have surpassed the Federal Government’s approved minimum wage of N70,000, praising them for their commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for civil servants nationwide, with a pledge to review the wage every three years. Several state governors have responded to this directive with commendable action, going beyond the federal benchmark to provide even higher wages for their workers.
Lagos State Leads with N85,000
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State earned accolades for his recent announcement of an N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants. Nigerians praised the decision, noting that it sets a new standard for other states to follow. Social media platforms were flooded with positive reactions, especially as the governor also promised to increase the minimum wage further to N100,000 by January 2025. Lagosians, in particular, expressed their appreciation, stating that this move would alleviate financial pressures in the state’s high-cost living environment.
Ogun State’s N77,000 Minimum Wage
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also received widespread praise for approving a minimum wage of N77,000. This decision, announced during a meeting with labor leaders, was hailed as a significant step towards improving workers' living standards. Many Nigerians noted that the move showcases the governor's dedication to the welfare of civil servants and sets an example for neighboring states.
Ondo State Commended for N73,000 Minimum Wage
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State was lauded for his commitment to enhancing workers’ welfare with the introduction of a N73,000 minimum wage. Citizens of Ondo State expressed gratitude, acknowledging the governor's proactive approach in surpassing the federal minimum wage. Nigerians from other states urged their governors to follow suit and prioritize worker compensation.
Kogi State’s Strategic N72,500 Wage with Tax Relief
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State received praise for his strategic implementation of a N72,500 minimum wage, coupled with a one-year suspension of tax burdens on the new wage. This tax relief, aimed at alleviating the financial pressures on workers, was described as a thoughtful and impactful decision by many Nigerians. Workers in Kogi expressed their appreciation, noting that the combination of a higher wage and tax relief would significantly improve their quality of life.
Gombe State’s Historic Agreement with N71,500 Wage
In Gombe State, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya's decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Labour Congress, resulting in a N71,500 minimum wage, was met with enthusiasm. Labor leaders hailed the agreement as historic, and Nigerians from other states admired Gombe’s leadership in worker compensation. The move reinforced the state’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants.
Federal Minimum Wage Implementation
In addition to the states that have surpassed the federal minimum wage, several others, including Delta, Adamawa, Edo, Borno, Ekiti, Cross River, and Ebonyi, have already begun paying the approved N70,000 wage. Nigerians in these states expressed satisfaction with their governors' swift action, while urging continuous reviews to meet rising living costs.
Meanwhile, states like Bauchi, Oyo, Enugu, and Sokoto have set up implementation committees to ensure the smooth execution of the new wage. Nigerians in these states remain hopeful that their governors will soon join the list of those paying above the N70,000 minimum.
However, some states, such as Jigawa, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, have yet to implement the new wage, prompting calls from civil servants and labor unions for immediate action.
Nigerians have taken this opportunity to celebrate the progressive actions of the governors leading the charge, expressing hope that more states will follow suit to enhance the well-being of their workers. Many citizens believe that paying higher wages not only supports the workforce but also fosters economic growth and stability across the nation.
