The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says discussions are ongoing with the Federal Government and organised labour over a proposed increase in the national minimum wage to N100,000 per month.
NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos after joining other governors on a Sallah visit to President Bola Tinubu. The delegation was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to AbdulRazaq, state governments support efforts to improve workers’ welfare amid current economic challenges but are also seeking a wage structure that states can sustain.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” he said.
He added that consultations with the Federal Government and labour unions are focused on reaching an agreement that balances higher earnings for workers with the financial capacity of governments.
“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances,” AbdulRazaq said.
“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain development projects that directly impact citizens.”
The NGF chairman noted that while workers deserve improved remuneration, policymakers must also take into account the fiscal realities facing state governments.
Nigeria’s current statutory minimum wage is N70,000 per month.
