27 States and FCT Still Await Minimum Wage Committees: What’s the Hold-Up?

n a twist that might surprise many, 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are still in the waiting game when it comes to setting up committees for the new N70,000 minimum wage. Here’s the scoop on what’s happening across the country. From Plateau and Kebbi to Sokoto and Bayelsa, a large swath of Nigeria is yet to form the necessary panels to roll out the new minimum wage. Other states on this list include Delta, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Benue, Enugu, Taraba, Gombe, Kogi, Adamawa, Niger, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Cross River, and Yobe. That’s quite a few places where the minimum wage hasn’t quite hit the ground running.

On the flip side, seven states—Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo, and Abia—are already ahead of the curve. These states have set up their committees and are moving forward with implementation. Kudos to Lagos and Edo for not just setting up committees but also starting to pay out the new minimum wage. Lagos State, in particular, seems to be setting the pace. According to Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the state was already paying more than the new minimum wage before it was even signed into law. That’s right—Lagos workers were already enjoying a wage above N70,000! Kwara State, led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has formed an 18-member committee to figure out the best way to implement the new wage. Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano and the Jigawa State Government have also stepped up with their own committees. Borno and Ondo are similarly making strides, ensuring that they’re not left behind.

However, not everyone is on the same page. Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has voiced concerns about the state’s ability to meet the new wage demands, citing budget constraints. Kogi State is also struggling with financial limitations, with no clear date set for when they’ll start paying the new wage. It’s clear that while some states are taking proactive steps, others are still navigating the challenges. Discussions between state governments and labor unions are ongoing in places like Plateau and Kebbi. Meanwhile, Edo and Lagos have already integrated the new wage into their payroll systems, setting an example for others to follow. As the situation unfolds, we’ll keep you updated on which states are making progress and how the implementation of the new minimum wage is shaping up across Nigeria. Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates and insights into this important issue.