State governors have decided not to consider a minimum wage higher than N70,000, deeming it unaffordable. At a meeting in Abuja, the governors, under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), reviewed economic conditions and ruled out the possibility of a N100,000 minimum wage.
During the meeting, it was revealed that the Federal Government had previously offered N60,000, while Edo State has already started paying N70,000. Unable to reach a consensus, a committee led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was formed to review the options and make recommendations.
The governors' decision aligns with earlier statements by NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, emphasizing that the minimum wage must be both affordable and sustainable. A source at the meeting confirmed that no state could afford to pay N100,000, noting that some states still struggle to meet the current N30,000 minimum wage.
Meanwhile, the Presidency denied reports that Finance Minister Wale Edun proposed a N105,000 minimum wage. Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga clarified that no such proposal was made. The Federal Government is expected to present a new wage offer to the tripartite committee, following discussions on the financial implications with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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