In a significant move toward improving workers' welfare, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for state employees, effective November 2024. Following a comprehensive meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Governor Bago emphasized the sustainability of the new wage, referencing the state's agricultural advancements as a key factor in funding this increase. He added, “This minimum wage is sustainable. We are creating civil service farms to enable productivity among civil servants.”
Other states have recently announced increases above the federal minimum wage as well:
- Lagos & Rivers State: N85,000, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressing intentions to raise the amount to N100,000 by January 2025.
- Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Niger State: N80,000 minimum wage approved, supporting workers' financial security amid rising costs of living.
- Delta State: N77,500 minimum wage to begin at the end of October, marking Delta's commitment to labor welfare.
- Ogun State: N77,000 minimum wage confirmed on October 15.
- Kebbi State: N75,000 approved on October 23 to support civil servants.
- Ondo, Kogi, and Gombe States: Increased minimum wages ranging from N72,500 to N73,000, each designed to alleviate living costs for public workers.
The announcements reflect a trend of states prioritizing workers' welfare, with a range of supporting policies including temporary tax exemptions, welfare programs, and commitments to sustaining these wage levels.
