In response to Nigeria’s rising cost of living, numerous states have taken major initiatives to improve the welfare of their employees. This comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a new minimum wage structure on July 29, 2024, following talks with labor unions, the corporate sector, and the federal government.
The new wage is intended to improve the welfare of civil officials, and some states have decided to pay even more than the federal minimum. Here’s a glance at the states that now pay more than N70,000 as minimum wage:
Lagos State
On October 16, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that the minimum wage in Lagos State will be increased to N85,000. This sum is N15,000 higher than the government minimum wage. Sanwo-Olu cited high living costs in Lagos as a major cause for the rise, and promises to raise the minimum salary to N100,000 by January 2025.
Rivers State
Governor Siminalayi Fubara authorized a new N85,000 minimum wage for Rivers State civil servants on October 18, 2024. This decision came after a closed-door meeting with labor representatives at the Government House in Port Harcourt. Dr. George Nwaeke, the head of the Rivers State Civil Service, stated that the increased wage, which will take effect in November 2024, is a major improvement for state workers.
Delta State
Delta State’s government has set the minimum salary at N77,500, effective at the end of October 2024. Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, revealed the decision during consultations with members from various labor groups. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori underlined the necessity of relieving workers’ financial responsibilities, despite continuous examinations of the state’s budget.
Ogun State
On October 15, 2024, Governor Dapo Abiodun stated that Ogun State would introduce a minimum wage of N77,000. This measure is consistent with the state’s aim to improving worker welfare in the face of rising living costs.
Ondo State
On October 12, 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa raised the minimum pay for state workers to N73,000. This announcement coincided with the commencement of his governorship campaign on November 16, highlighting his dedication to worker welfare.
Kogi State
Kogi State, led by Governor Usman Ododo, has approved a minimum wage of N72,500 for civil officials, starting immediately. To further help workers, the governor has postponed taxes on the new pay for a year.
Gombe State
On October 14, 2024, the Gombe State administration struck an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress to raise the minimum salary to N71,451.15, thereby improving the financial situation of its civil officials.
States Adopting N70,000 Minimum Wage
Several other states have also committed to the N70,000 minimum wage:
- Adamawa State: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri approved a N70,000 monthly minimum wage for both state and local government workers in August.
- Anambra State: Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced that the state would begin paying the N70,000 minimum wage starting in October 2024.
- Katsina State: Governor Dikko Radda is committed to implementing the N70,000 minimum wage.
- Ebonyi State: In September, Governor Francis Nwifuru approved the N70,000 minimum wage for state civil servants.
