Implement N70,000 minimum wage now, FG urges state govs

The federal government has commended state governors who have begun implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage, urging those yet to do so to take immediate action.

This initiative, emphasised as a priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aims to address the rising cost of living across the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, during a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, reiterated the government’s commitment to the full implementation of the wage increase.

“The new minimum wage has always been central to President Tinubu’s vision,” he stated, noting that a tripartite arrangement involving governors, the federal government, and the organized private sector was established to facilitate this transition.

Akume expressed satisfaction with the compliance levels, praising governors who have raised the minimum wage beyond N70,000.

“Some states have begun implementing the wage increase, with several exceeding N70,000. We commend these efforts and encourage others to follow suit,” he said.

He specifically urged states that have not yet announced the new minimum wage to act promptly to ensure their civil servants benefit from the increase.

“We applaud those who have started, and we appeal to others to initiate payment without delay,” he added.

Addressing the federal government’s own compliance, Akume affirmed, “The federal government is fully committed to this initiative. There are no half measures; we are completely on board.”

Flagged off by Edo, several states have already taken significant steps in compliance.

Lagos, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced a new minimum wage of N85,000 on October 16, citing the rising cost of living.

Ogun’s Governor Dapo Abiodun approved N77,000 on October 15, while Gombe’s Muhammad Yahaya signed an agreement for N71,451.15 on October 14.

Ondo’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa also announced an increase to N73,000 on October 12, and Kogi State’s Usman Ododo approved N72,500 for civil servants.

Other states, including Anambra, Katsina, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Oyo, Borno, Osun, and Benue, have expressed their readiness to adopt the new wage. However, some states, like Jigawa and Zamfara, have yet to implement the increase.

Akume highlighted the government’s focus on state matters, reaffirming the commitment to enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers through timely wage adjustments.

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