“Each State Should Be Allowed To Negotiate Minimum Wage” — Southern Governors

The Southern Governors’ Forum, consisting of 17 governors from Nigeria’s southern region, has called for each state to negotiate its minimum wage with labor unions. This was announced in a communique issued at the end of their recent meeting in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

“The Forum discussed the minimum wage issues demanded by labor and unanimously agreed that the minimum wage should reflect the cost of living and the ability to pay, and each state be allowed to negotiate their minimum wage,” the communique read.

The communique also emphasized the need for strengthening fiscal federalism and the devolution of powers. The governors expressed concern over the issuance of mineral licenses without consulting state governments, which they claimed leads to criminal activities, environmental degradation, and loss of revenue for both the states and the federal government.

As part of their economic agenda, the governors highlighted the need to address inadequate power supply in the region. They plan to leverage the recent constitutional amendment allowing states to regulate, generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, while also considering renewable energy sources.

The governors committed to an energy transition plan focusing on cleaner energy, specifically Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), to reduce transportation costs and subsequently lower the cost of goods and services.

The forum also called on the federal government to repair and reconstruct Trunk A roads, and transfer some roads to states willing to take them over. They applauded President Tinubu for initiating the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, which spans eight states in the region.

Additionally, the governors announced plans for a regional multimodal transport master plan to enhance connectivity via rail, road, air, and water transportation. This is aimed at improving the ease of doing business by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services.

The Southern States Development Agenda (SSDA) will be established to outline a comprehensive plan for promoting trade, investment, sustainable growth, and social harmony in the region. This team will collaborate with state investment agencies, the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and other relevant bodies.

On security, the governors reiterated their support for the creation of state police, citing the success of regional community-based security outfits in intelligence gathering.

The forum members also commended President Tinubu for his food palliative support to states and his economic recovery policies. They pledged their support for his Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at repositioning the country for a better future.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prince Dapo Abiodun was elected as the new Chairman of the Forum, with Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, appointed as Vice Chairman. The forum will hold quarterly meetings, rotating among the member states.