Lagos N85k, Enugu N80k… states that have implemented new minimum wage

The increment of the minimum wage to N70,000 was agreed upon after long negotiations between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the federal government in July 2024.

The federal government began the payment towards the end of September but while many states have implemented the policy, others remain silent.

In this article, we will explore those states that have implemented the new wage, those that increased the wages, some that are working on the implementation and those states that are yet to say anything about the implementation.

Lagos State:

Lagos State led the way in setting a high benchmark for the new minimum wage. On 16 October 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that the state would pay N85,000 as the new minimum wage, citing it as “a function of affordability and capacity.” This decision positioned Lagos as one of the highest-paying states in terms of minimum wage.

Rivers State:

Just two days later, on 18 October 2024, Rivers State followed suit. Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved the same N85,000 minimum wage, with implementation set to begin in November 2024. This decision came after a closed-door meeting with labour representatives, demonstrating the state’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

Bayelsa State:

Bayelsa State took a slightly different approach. Governor Douye Diri approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage, effective from 1 November 2024. This decision was accompanied by an increase in monthly pensions for retired workers and an allocation of N7 billion to address outstanding gratuity liabilities.

Niger State:

Niger State also approved N80,000 as Governor Umaru Bago announced the new minimum wage on 25 October 2024, to be effective from November 2024. This decision came after extensive meetings with the state’s Organised Labour Union, highlighting the collaborative nature of the wage-setting process.

Enugu State:

Enugu State’s Governor Peter Mbah also approved the N80,000 minimum wage on 24 October 2024, with immediate effect from October 2024. The governor made this announcement through his official social media account, emphasising his administration’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare.

Ogun State:

Ogun State set its new minimum wage at N77,000, with Governor Dapo Abiodun approving this figure on 14 October 2024, for immediate implementation. This decision was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government following meetings with labour leadership, showcasing the state’s proactive approach to addressing workers’ needs.

Kebbi State:

Kebbi State’s Governor Nasir Idris announced a N75,000 minimum wage on 23 October 2024, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi. While specific implementation details were not provided, the announcement demonstrated the state’s commitment to improving workers’ compensation.

Kogi State: agreed to a N72,500 minimum wage, announced on 23 October 2024. According to the state’s leadership, this decision reflected the state’s efforts to balance worker needs with fiscal realities.

Gombe State: Gombe State’s Governor Muhammad Yahaya approved a new minimum wage of N71,451 on 15 October 2024, to be effective from October 2024.

Adamawa State stood out as the first to implement the new wage structure. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri announced the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage starting in August 2024, positioning Adamawa as a leader in wage reform.

Anambra State, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, announced that it would commence payment of the N70,000 minimum wage from October 2024, aligning with the national directive.

Borno State implemented the new minimum wage, though the exact date was not specified in the available information. Lastly, Ondo State approved a N73,000 minimum wage, announced on 12 October 2024. While the implementation date was not specified, this approval demonstrated the state’s intention to exceed the national minimum.

Several other states have expressed their readiness to implement the new minimum wage but have not yet begun actual implementation. These states include: Akwa Ibom, Delta, Kebbi, Abia, Jigawa, Edo, Kwara, Katsina, Benue and Oyo. While these states have announced their commitment to the new minimum wage, they are at various stages of preparation, with some forming committees for smooth execution and others still finalising implementation details.

The specific amounts these states plan to pay also ranges from N70,000 to N80,000, with Akwa Ibom committing to the highest amount at N80,000. Meanwhile, while these states have expressed readiness, the actual implementation dates and final wage figures may still be subject to change as negotiations and planning continue.

Report indicate that several states in Nigeria have remained silent regarding implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage. Specifically, Sokoto, Imo, Taraba, Cross River, Osun, Plateau and Yobe including the FCT Abuja have not publicly announced their plans to adopt the new wage structure. Zamfara State has been particularly slow to respond as it recently began paying the previous minimum wage of N30,000 and has yet to comment on the N70,000 minimum wage.

In Sokoto, despite assurances from Governor Ahmed Aliyu that his administration would be among the first to implement the new wage; no action has been taken.

Similarly, Osun State’s Governor Ademola Adeleke has indicated a commitment to paying the minimum wage but has not provided specific details or timelines for its implementation. The silence from these states raises concerns among workers who are eager for updates on their wages amid rising living costs.

The NLC expressed deep dissatisfaction with delays describing them as illegal and unjust; especially given the rising economic hardships Nigerian workers face due to inflation and high living costs.

As a result, labour unions have recently announced plans for an indefinite strike in response to several states’ failure to implement the new minimum wage of N70,000.

Following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the NLC set a deadline of  December 1, 2024 for all state governments to start implementing the new wage.