Several state governors have confirmed their willingness to implement the newly approved ₦70,000 national minimum wage, marking a significant increase from the previous ₦30,000, which was officially endorsed by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024.
This newly established wage structure was the result of extensive negotiations facilitated by the Tripartite Committee, which comprised representatives from Organized Labour, the private sector, and the federal government, all of whom worked persistently to reach a mutual agreement. The approved wage hike is now being regarded as a major leap forward in improving the living standards of Nigerian civil servants, with the intention of addressing the nation's rising cost of living and economic pressures.
While many governors are already on board with the decision, the choice to adopt the higher wage has stirred varying reactions. Several governors have pledged to adopt the policy, seeing it as a positive measure, while others have voiced concerns about their states' financial capacities to meet the new expectations without compromising essential public services.
Reports from various sources, such as Tribune, indicate that some governors remain optimistic, believing the wage increase could serve as a catalyst for economic growth, boosting worker morale and enhancing productivity. On the other hand, there are state executives who worry that their limited financial resources may hinder the successful implementation of this new wage structure, potentially leading to disruptions or delays in public services across their states.
See the list of governors who have expressed their readiness to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.
1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the Workers’ Day celebration on May 1, 2024, assured civil servants in the state that his administration would comply with the now-approved new minimum wage.
He further added that his administration is fully dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society where workers' interests receive due attention and prioritization.
More recently, during a live interview on Channels TV’s “One-On-One with Babajide Sanwo-Olu” aired on Wednesday evening, the Governor disclosed his readiness to increase the minimum wage in Lagos State to ₦85,000, a decision already discussed with local labour unions.
2. Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe State)
In Gombe State, workers are set to benefit from Governor Muhammad Yahaya’s commitment to the new national minimum wage structure.
On October 15, 2024, the Gombe State Government finalized its decision to increase the minimum wage to ₦71,451, which applies to both state civil servants and local government employees.
This breakthrough followed extensive negotiations between the government and organized labour, ensuring that even the lowest-paid workers will receive fair compensation under the new national guidelines.
3. Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)
The executive governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has also joined the ranks of state leaders prepared to implement the revised wage policy.
On October 14, 2024, Governor Abiodun confirmed that Ogun State civil servants would now receive a new minimum wage of ₦77,000, effective immediately, as approved by his administration.
This announcement was made public by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, following successful discussions with the leadership of organized labour within the state.
4. Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State)
In Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Ododo has approved a new minimum wage of ₦72,500 for the state’s civil servants.
The announcement, made on October 7, 2024, specified that the wage adjustment would take effect immediately following thorough deliberations between the state government and union leaders.
This development is expected to enhance the livelihoods of public servants while maintaining a balance between worker welfare and the state’s financial sustainability.
5. Charles Soludo (Anambra State)
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has committed to paying the new ₦70,000 national minimum wage by the end of October 2024, a move that will benefit the state's workforce.
Governor Soludo made the announcement during the Independence Day parade on October 1, 2024, held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, in celebration of Nigeria's 64th Independence Day.
6. Dikko Radda (Katsina State)
The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, is the latest state leader to announce his administration’s readiness to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
During the Public Engagement and Launch of the Community Development Programme on September 5, 2024, Radda affirmed his state’s preparedness to lead in the effective implementation of the new wage policy.
He emphasized the commitment of his administration to enhancing public sector service delivery and improving the welfare of state employees.
7. Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi State)
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has also aligned with other state executives in supporting the new wage policy.
During the grand finale of the Ojiji Izhi New Yam Festival 2024, Governor Nwifuru confirmed that his administration would begin implementing the new ₦70,000 minimum wage as of September 2024, with instructions to the relevant authorities to establish proper modalities.
8. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe State)
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has affirmed his willingness to implement the new national wage policy, joining other state governors prepared to adopt the policy.
During a press briefing held in August 2024, Gombe’s Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, confirmed that Governor Yahaya is committed to improving the morale of the state’s civil servants by implementing the revised wage structure.
9. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State confirmed the approval of the ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants on August 19, 2024.
Governor Fintiri emphasized that the new wage policy underscores his administration’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of the state’s workforce.
10. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
Ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has also expressed his commitment to implementing the new minimum wage.
This was officially communicated by the state’s Head of Service, Bayo Philip, in a statement released on August 6, 2024, confirming the Governor’s pledge to comply with the national wage standard.
11. Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State)
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has also indicated his administration’s readiness to pay the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
In a statement made by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, on August 6, 2024, the governor expressed his government’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.
The new wage policy is set to commence soon.
12. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced on July 29, 2024, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, that the state is ready to adopt the new wage policy without difficulty.
Olanrewaju recalled that during the Workers’ Day celebrations, Governor Makinde had promised to pay whatever the national minimum wage would be, reaffirming that stance.
13. Babagana Zulum (Borno State)
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed his willingness to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage for state workers.
In July 2024, Borno State NLC Chairman Inuwa Yusuf confirmed the governor’s commitment to adopting the wage increase during an interview with the Nigerian Tribune.
14. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has pledged to pay the new minimum wage as required by federal law.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed on July 19,
2024, that the Governor has prioritized worker welfare, and the new wage will be implemented accordingly.
15. Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has confirmed that his administration is ready to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
In a statement made in July 2024, Governor Alia revealed that his administration had introduced measures to ensure the smooth payment of the new wage structure.