GOVERNORS of the 36 states of the federation have assured Nigerian workers under their employment of a better minimum wage at the end of the ongoing negotiations among the government, private sector and organised labour.
At the end of the meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, June 26, the governors, under the aegis of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), deliberated on the contentious new minimum wage and the issue of local government autonomy, which is already before the Supreme Court, which has reserved judgment.
Recall that the governors had earlier rejected the N62,000 wage proposer by the federal government, saying many states would have to borrow to pay salaries if the amount is implemented.
But the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) insist on a N250,000 wage. On Tuesday, Junes 25, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) stepped down the memo on minimum wage.
The governors, in a communiqué signed by Chairman of the Forum and Kwara State governor, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, promised continued engagement with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution, noting: “We remain dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations.”
Earlier, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, said the governors would continue the discussion on minimum wage and local government autonomy.
