Governors yesterday sounded a note of caution to workers against unduly high expectations from the minimum wage negotiations.
States will pay only implementable and sustainable wages, they said, but expressed commitment to improved salaries for workers.
Members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said they would ensure workers in their states earn more than they currently do.
The Federal Government on January 30 inaugurated a 37-man Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage.
It was tasked with recommending a realistic national minimum wage that aligns with the current economic realities, but an agreement is yet to be reached.
The governors are represented by one each from the six geo-political zones on the committee, which also has Federal Government officials, the labour movement and the Organised Private Sector (OPS).
“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,” the governors said.
Their position is contained in a communique issued on Wednesday after a virtual meeting – the same day workers marked May Day across the country.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is demanding a N615,000 national minimum wage per month.
It said the figure was a product of a painstaking effort through which it captured the cost of living of Nigerian workers and masses in all parts of the country.
Labour said the figure was essentially an outcome of independent research conducted by the NLC and Trade Union Congress on the cost of meeting the primary needs of an average family.
The current N30,000 minimum wage expired on April 18.
Minister of Labour and Employment (State) Nkeiruka Onyejeoacha told workers that the new minimum wage when approved will take effect from April 1.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also told workers at the May Day rally that the Federal Government is committed to a living wage for workers.
He hinted that the tripartite committee had not agreed.
But Labour threatened a showdown should the minimum wage issue not be resolved by May 31.
Former NLC president, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, urged Labour to make realistic and affordable wage demands that will also be sustainable.
While the talks continue, some governors have announced new wages for their workers.
Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki announced N70,000; his Cross River counterpart Bassey Otu promised N40,000.
The NGF, in the communique signed by the Chairman/Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, indicated that governors can only pay what they can afford.
It reads: “The forum celebrates with workers across the country for their dedication to service and patience, as we work with the Federal Government, labour, organised private sector and relevant stakeholders in arriving at an implementable national minimum wage.
“While we acknowledge various initiatives adopted of recent 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 meeting also discussed the revised National Policy on Justice (2024 -2028) from the just concluded National Summit on Justice held April 24/25 in Abuja.
“Members agreed to consider the submissions from the summit as may concern their individual states, including recommended legal amendments, administrative improvements, and policies to strengthen the justice sector.
“Also, the forum committed to looking into issues bordering on the remuneration of state judicial officers and the infrastructure of the courts,” the communique adds.
The governors commiserated with their colleagues Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) over the petrol tanker and gas explosions that occurred on April 26 and 27 in both states.
They called for proper maintenance of trucks, especially those fitted to convey Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The governors recommended appropriate training for truck drivers and resolved to engage relevant ministries, departments & agencies (MDAs) to align the activities of federal regulators with the operations of officials at the sub-national level.
The communique adds: “Members received the outgoing Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chadhuri, and the incoming Country Director, Mr. Ndiame Diop, of the World Bank, to discuss the Bank’s vision for transitioning.
“Mr. Chadhuri appreciated the forum for the strategic role it continues to play in coordinating collective action for developmental change.
“He (Mr. Chadhuri) applauded the non-partisan character of the forum, the professionalism of its secretariat, and state governments’ commitment to mutual accountability mechanisms such as performance-based financing interventions by the bank.
“Members expressed confidence in the choice of Mr. Diop, to lead the collaboration going forward and look forward to a sustained and deepened relationship.
“The forum received a presentation from the National Human Capital Development (HCD) Program – Core Working Group Secretariat, led by Ms. Rukaiya El-Rufai and Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab.
“Both highlighted the marginal progress made by States and its contribution to Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI), especially across health, nutrition, education, and labour force participation.
“Having reviewed the previous program design and national strategy, a revised governance and implementation roadmap was proposed to scale up impact and ensure sustainability.
“Members pledged to support the effective domestication of proposed revisions to the national HCD strategy.
“Members received a briefing from Mrs. Oyinda Adedokun, Programme Manager, State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Federal Ministry of Finance Programme Coordination Unit.
“The briefing highlighted states’ performance in implementing advocated reforms relating to land administration, the regulatory framework for private investment in fibre optic infrastructure, services provided by investment promotion agencies and public-private partnership units, efficiency and transparency of government-to-business services under the World Bank financed programme.” (The Nation)
