Full list of states set to meet implementation deadline surfaces

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering Nigeria's public affairs and governance.

FCT, Abuja - The federal government had assured that many state governments and the federal capital territory (FCT) administration will implement the new national minimum wage by January 2025.

Muhammad Dingyadi, the minister of labour and employment, gave this assurance in December 2024 during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCN) at his office in Abuja.

While Sokoto, Imo, and Akwa Ibom states governments and the federal capital territory (FCT) have set January ending for civil servants to receive a raise in salaries, workers in Cross River and Ebonyi states, among others, are not certain about when their government will commence paying new emoluments.

Rivers, Lagos, Edo, Kogi, Ogun, among others, started paying the new wage in 2024. Some other states, however, agreed to begin payment in 2025.

Speaking to The Punch in a report published on Sunday, January 26, Hakeem Ambali, the NLC national treasurer, called on state governors not only to implement the new minimum wage. Ambali also urged authorities to settle outstanding arrears, stressing that workers should not bear the burden of delayed negotiations.

While describing the payment of the minimum wage as a legal obligation that must take effect as required by law, the NLC official expressed confidence that other governors who had yet to pay would honour their commitment in the interest of industrial harmony.

His words:

“Labour is hopeful that these governors will pay the arrears and the new wage because it is a function of the law and it must take effect. I believe they (governors) will honour the agreement in the best interest of industrial peace and harmony.”

Minimum wage: States set to meet January deadline

1. Imo
2. Sokoto
3. Akwa Ibom

Minimum wage: Why good pay is important in Nigeria

Amid an economic crisis in Nigeria, many workers could not meet their basic needs. The inadequacy of the previous minimum wage sparked widespread discontent and demands for an increase.

Legit.ng reports that the minimum wage is the lowest compensation that an employer is statutorily required to pay the lowest-paid worker in its establishment within a specific period, to ensure a reasonable standard of living.

Since 1981, Nigeria has introduced five national minimum wage acts, with the most recent being the Minimum Wage Amendment Bill 2024. This amendment has increased the minimum wage for workers from N30,000 to N70,000.

Read more on minimum wage:

• Tinubu's minister mentions when minimum wage will be reviewed
• Minimum wage: NECA shares fears over N70,000 pay, "not a two plus two equals four argument"
• Minimum wage: Actual amount Tinubu allocates for workers' salary in 2025 budget disclosed

Labour pushes for minimum wage increase in 2025

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), said that organised labour is pushing for an annual increase in the national minimum wage paid to workers in Nigeria.

The TUC boss stated that members of the organisation as well as their colleagues in the NLC have begun talks on the issue.

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Source: Legit.ng