Governors from the 36 states of the federation have declined the federal government’s proposal for a N60,000 minimum wage. This decision was announced by Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, Director of Media and Public Affairs for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), in a statement on Friday, June 7.
The governors stated that the N60,000 minimum wage is unrealistic and unsustainable, warning that its implementation would force some states to borrow funds just to pay workers’ salaries.
The statement included the following points:
– The NGF acknowledges that a new minimum wage is necessary and sympathizes with labor unions advocating for higher wages.
– The Forum emphasizes that minimum wage negotiations should consider consequential adjustments across all employee levels, including pensioners.
– The NGF urges all parties to pursue a sustainable and realistic agreement rather than signing a document for its own sake.
– The proposed N60,000 minimum wage would result in many states using their entire FAAC allocations solely for salaries, leaving nothing for developmental projects. Some states might even need to borrow monthly to meet payroll obligations.
– The NGF believes such a situation is not in the country’s best interest, including that of the workers.
The NGF appeals to all parties involved, particularly labor unions, to consider all socioeconomic factors and reach a sustainable, durable, and fair agreement for all segments of society with legitimate claims to public resources.