Eight months after the Federal Government’s initiative to alleviate economic hardship through a N35,000 wage award in addition to the N30,000 minimum wage, the responses from state governments remain mixed. Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for state governments to replicate the initiative, many have yet to comply fully, exacerbating the financial challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
Fifteen states are yet to implement the wage award, showcasing a significant gap in compliance across the country. This includes one state in the South-East, four in the South-South, three in the North-East, two in the North-Central, and five in the North-West. The delay or outright refusal to implement these awards highlights a critical issue in addressing the economic struggles of workers in these regions.
Partial Compliance and Cessation
Several states initially showed promise by adopting the wage award, only to halt payments after a few months. Delta, Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Nasarawa are among the seven states that paid the award for one to four months before stopping. This intermittent approach has left workers in these states in a precarious situation, grappling with inconsistent financial support.
Conversely, some states have fully embraced the wage award initiative or have introduced their salary increments. Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, and Taraba have taken proactive measures to support their workers. These states have not only implemented the wage awards but, in some cases, have gone beyond to provide additional financial support and welfare measures.
Presidential Plea and Labour’s Demand
President Bola Tinubu, in a working visit to Minna, Niger State, in March, urged all state governors to commence payment of the wage awards, emphasizing the importance of this move in alleviating economic hardship. He highlighted the need for collective action, appealing directly to the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) chaired by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been vocal about the refusal of some states to pay the wage award, describing it as the height of insensitivity. The NLC continues to lament the suffering of workers due to the anti-poor policies of the government, calling for immediate and comprehensive action from all state governments.
State-Specific Responses and Initiatives
- Delta State: Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, announced the formation of a committee to examine wage-related issues, reflecting a cautious approach towards the implementation of the wage award.
- Rivers State: Awaiting the outcome of tripartite negotiations between Labour, the Organised Private Sector, and the Federal Government on the new minimum wage before making any commitments.
- Akwa Ibom State: Governor Umo Eno assured that his administration would implement the new minimum wage once it comes into force.
- Edo State: Governor Godwin Obaseki announced a new minimum wage of N70,000, commencing payments in May. This proactive measure positions Edo as a leader in worker welfare.
- Bayelsa State: Implemented wage awards of N20,000 for Grades 1–14, N30,000 for Grades 15–17, and N100,000 for Permanent Secretaries, reflecting a tiered approach to wage increases.
- Imo State: Governor Hope Uzodinma added N10,000 to the minimum wage, bringing it to N40,000, and introduced a free transportation scheme for workers.
- Enugu State: Governor Peter Mbah has been paying wage awards since December 2023, with N25,000 for state civil servants and N10,000 for local government workers and primary school teachers.
- Ondo State: The government pays N35,000 to workers and N10,000 to pensioners, extending the wage award beyond the initial three months.
- Osun State: Pays N15,000 to workers and N10,000 to pensioners, with consistent payments since December 2023.
The mixed responses to the Federal Government’s wage award initiative highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing economic hardship across Nigeria. While some states have taken commendable steps to support their workers, others have fallen short, leaving many workers in a state of uncertainty. The need for uniform implementation and sustained financial support remains critical as the country navigates its economic challenges. The collective efforts of the Federal Government, state governments, and labour unions will be crucial in ensuring that Nigerian workers receive the support they need during these challenging times.
