Osun Among Seven States Yet to Finalize N70,000 Minimum Wage as Workers Face Rising Economic Hardship

At least seven states, including Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory have yet to finalize or implement the new N70,000 minimum wage, initially expected to take effect in October 2024. So far, 25 states have either begun paying or confirmed their commitment to this wage increase.

Among the states lagging behind, there is no official agreement yet as negotiation still in progress. Governor Ademola Adeleke previously assured citizens that his administration would adopt the new minimum wage. However, according to Bimbo Fasasi, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun, negotiations are still in progress. He noted that the state’s Labour/Osun Government negotiation committee is working on the final stages of implementation.

Similarly, in Zamfara, the state recently started paying the old minimum wage of N30,000, and Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has yet to announce a decision regarding the N70,000 increase. Sokoto State has also stalled on implementation, despite Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s earlier promises.

Cross River and Imo states are still undergoing negotiations, with local TUC leaders reporting ongoing discussions to finalize payment. In Taraba, Governor Agbu Kefas stated his readiness to adopt the wage, but formal negotiations are still underway. Meanwhile, the FCT has not yet issued any statements on the matter.

Workers across the country have expressed dissatisfaction with the N70,000 amount, pointing out that inflation, fuel price hikes, and the rising cost of living have drastically reduced its value. In Osun, a civil servant highlighted that the minimum wage barely covers basic expenses, leaving families struggling. Concerns have also been raised about the government’s promise not to raise fuel prices, which many workers believe was used as leverage during wage negotiations.

NLC President Joe Ajaero recently criticized the federal government, claiming that the President’s promise to maintain fuel prices in exchange for the minimum wage agreement was not honored. This breach has reportedly worsened the financial strain on Nigerian workers, and the NLC has called for urgent measures to address the increasing costs impacting citizens.