The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has given its word to the nation and the labor unions that the current negotiations will lead to an improved minimum wage.
Initially, the governors had turned down the Federal Government’s suggested minimum wage of N62,000, citing the financial strain it would impose on some states, potentially forcing them to resort to borrowing to meet salary obligations.
In contrast, labor unions have been steadfast in their call for a N250,000 minimum wage.
Following the Federal Executive Council’s decision to defer the minimum wage talks to give President Bola Tinubu time for wider consultations, the governors convened an urgent meeting.
An emergency session, which went on till the early hours of Thursday, resulted in a communiqué signed by Ahmed Salihu, the NGF’s acting Media Director.
The document revealed that the governors deliberated on several national concerns, including the minimum wage.
The communiqué highlighted the NGF’s commitment to ongoing discussions with relevant parties to find a consensus on the new national minimum wage.
“The NGF is actively considering the new National Minimum Wage and is in talks with key stakeholders to arrive at a solution that will be agreeable to all. We are committed to ensuring that the negotiations will yield better wages,” the communiqué stated.
Additionally, the governors recognized the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up as a pivotal initiative and reiterated the need for its implementation at the state level, in line with the original plan, since the states are the main executors of the project. The governors commended the Ministry of Women Affairs for its role in fostering gender equality, empowering women, and promoting social progress throughout Nigeria.
