11 Nigerian Governors Commit to Paying Over N70,000 Minimum Wage

Governors across Nigeria announce new minimum wages exceeding N70,000, aiming to improve worker welfare amid rising costs of living

As part of a commitment to enhance civil servant welfare, 11 Nigerian governors have pledged to pay minimum wages above N70,000, marking a significant shift toward higher earnings for state workers. The move is seen as a direct response to the growing cost of living and an effort to address worker demands for better pay. This decision by Nigerian governors to implement minimum wages over N70,000 highlights a push to boost productivity, reduce economic strain, and strengthen the morale of public sector employees.

1. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) – N85,000
   Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State recently approved an N85,000 minimum wage, surpassing the federal standard. The governor cited Lagos’s high cost of living as a key reason for the increase and aims to further raise wages to N100,000 by early 2025.
2. Governor Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State) – N85,000
   Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, announced a similar N85,000 minimum wage to reflect his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, effective from October 18, 2024.
3. Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu State) – N80,000
   Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah confirmed a new minimum wage of N80,000, effective immediately, as part of his promise to prioritize worker welfare in the state.
4. Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) – N80,000
   In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno introduced an N80,000 minimum wage package, establishing a committee to ensure effective implementation.
5. Governor Mohammed Bago (Niger State) – N80,000
   Niger Governor Mohammed Bago joined the list, approving N80,000 for state workers, effective November 2024. His administration is confident in its ability to sustain this wage increase through strategic agricultural initiatives.
6. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State) – N77,500
   The Delta State government announced a wage increase to N77,500, with plans to initiate payments by the end of the month.
7. Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State) – N77,000
   Governor Dapo Abiodun implemented a minimum wage of N77,000 on October 15, 2024, highlighting the government’s commitment to worker welfare in Ogun.
8. Governor Nasir Idris (Kebbi State) – N75,000
   Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 for civil servants, with support from the state’s Nigerian Labour Congress.
9. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State) – N73,000
   Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa raised the minimum wage to N73,000 in Ondo as part of his campaign to improve worker morale ahead of the November elections.
10. Governor Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State) – N72,500
    Kogi Governor Ahmed Ododo authorized a minimum wage of N72,500, temporarily waiving taxes on this amount for a year to increase workers’ net earnings.
11. Governor Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe State) – ₦71,500
    Gombe Governor Muhammad Yahaya signed an agreement with labor unions to pay ₦71,500 as the new minimum wage, effective October 15, 2024.

Through these measures, Nigerian governors continue to advance workers’ financial stability, acknowledging the crucial role of civil servants in state development and social stability. The commitment to implement a minimum wage over N70,000 is a pivotal step toward improving livelihoods and adapting to economic demands across Nigeria.