The Federal Government has applauded state governors who have commenced the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage and urged others yet to do so to expedite the process.
This call aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to cushioning the impact of the rising cost of living on citizens.
During a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, emphasized that the wage increase is a key priority for the federal administration. He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to fully implementing the policy nationwide through a coordinated approach involving state governors, the federal government, and the organized private sector.
“The new minimum wage has always been central to President Tinubu’s vision,” Akume stated. He highlighted the establishment of a tripartite arrangement to facilitate a smooth transition to the new wage, which aims to uplift the standard of living for workers across the country.
Expressing satisfaction with states that have embraced the wage increase, Akume praised governors who have exceeded the N70,000 benchmark. “Some states have already begun implementation, with several announcing amounts higher than N70,000. We commend these efforts and encourage others to follow suit,” he noted.
He urged states yet to adopt the new minimum wage to take immediate action to ensure civil servants benefit from the increase. “We applaud those who have started and appeal to others to initiate payment without delay,” Akume added.
On the federal government’s own stance, Akume reaffirmed full commitment to the initiative, stating, “The federal government is entirely on board. There are no half measures here.”
Edo State was the first to flag off the implementation, paving the way for other states to follow. Among those taking significant steps are Lagos, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced a new minimum wage of N85,000 on October 16, in response to the increasing cost of living. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, approved N77,000 on October 15, while Gombe Governor, Muhammad Yahaya, settled on N71,451.15 on October 14.
In Ondo, Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa increased the minimum wage to N73,000 on October 12, and Kogi State’s Governor Usman Ododo approved N72,500 for civil servants.
Additionally, other states such as Anambra, Katsina, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Oyo, Borno, Osun, Ekiti, and Benue have indicated their readiness to adopt the new wage structure. However, states like Jigawa and Zamfara are yet to begin implementation.
Akume reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing workers’ welfare through timely and substantial wage adjustments, urging all states to align with the federal directive to uplift the standard of living for Nigerian workers.
