The 36 state governors, represented by the Nigeria Governors Forum, revealed that they are currently assessing their individual fiscal capacities as state governments.
They are considering the potential impact of various recommendations to determine an improved minimum wage that they can sustainably pay.
They expressed their appreciation for the dedication and patience of workers across the country, emphasizing their collaboration with the Federal Government, labor unions, the organized private sector, and other stakeholders in establishing an implementable national minimum wage.
Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stated in a press release following a virtual meeting held on Wednesday night, “While we acknowledge various initiatives adopted recently by way of wage awards and partial wage adjustments, it is imperative to state that the 37-member tripartite committee inaugurated on the National Minimum Wage is still in consultation and yet to conclude its work. As members of the committee, we are reviewing our individual fiscal space as state governments and the consequential impact of various recommendations to arrive at an improved minimum wage we can pay sustainably. We remain committed to the process and promise that better wages will be the invariable outcome of ongoing negotiations.”
The governors also committed to addressing issues concerning the remuneration of state judicial officers and the infrastructure of the courts.
Furthermore, during the meeting, the NGF welcomed Mr. Shubham Chadhuri, outgoing Country Director of the World Bank, and the incoming Country Director, Mr. Ndiame Diop. They discussed the World Bank’s vision for transitioning and commended the NGF for its role in coordinating collective action for developmental change.
Additionally, the governors discussed the revised National Policy on Justice (2024–2028) from the recently concluded National Summit on Justice. They agreed to consider the summit’s recommendations, including legal amendments, administrative improvements, and policies to strengthen the justice sector. The governors also pledged to address issues related to the remuneration of state judicial officers and the infrastructure of the courts.
The NGF received presentations on the National Human Capital Development Programme and the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Federal Ministry of Finance Programme Coordination Unit. They discussed states’ progress in implementing reforms and pledged to support the effective implementation of proposed revisions to the national Human Capital Development strategy.
Finally, the NGF expressed condolences to the Governors of Rivers State, H.E. Siminalayi Fubara, and Ogun State, H.E. Prince Dapo Abiodun, following the petrol tanker explosion and gas explosion that occurred on April 26th and 27th, 2024, respectively. They called for proper maintenance of trucks, especially those fitted to convey Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and recommended appropriate training for truck drivers. They also resolved to engage relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to align federal regulations with the activities of officials at the sub-national level.
