The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has guaranteed Nigerians and organised labour that ongoing negotiations will result in higher minimum wages.
The governors had earlier rejected the Federal Government’s N62,000 proposal, claiming that some states would have to borrow money to cover salaries.
Despite this, organised labour continues to demand a salary of N250,000.
The governors chose to convene an emergency meeting after the Federal Executive Council postponed the minimum wage debate on Tuesday to allow President Bola Tinubu to conduct more extensive consultations.
According to a communiqué signed by NGF interim director of media, Ahmed Salihu, during an emergency meeting that lasted into the early hours of Thursday, the Forum considered a variety of issues affecting the nation.
The communiqué stated that the meeting reviewed the new national minimum wage and resolved to continue working with key stakeholders to find a mutually acceptable solution.
It read, “The Forum received a presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs on the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, along with other activities of the ministry. Members noted the importance of the project and emphasised the need to implement it at the state level as initially conceived, as the states are the primary obligors of the project.
“The governors acknowledge the work and contributions of the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria.
“The Forum discussed the new national minimum wage. The governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution. We remain dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations.”
The 36 state governors emphasised the importance of the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up and the need to implement it at the state level as originally planned, given that states are the principal entities accountable for the project.
The communiqué added, ”We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.
“Members received the Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Mr. Taimur Samad, and his team to discuss the bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including the HOPE Series of Projects: Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality, Food and Nutrition Security, NFWP-SU: Nigeria For Women Project Scale Up, NG-CARES: Nigeria Community Action (for) Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme SABRE: State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Programme; SPIN: Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project.
“Members expressed willingness to continue to provide the much-needed support to ensure programme effectiveness across the country.
“Members received a briefing from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. He highlighted the progress made regarding the ongoing fiscal policy and tax reforms. He sought the input and support of their excellencies on a number of proposals that would directly impact the subnational level of government.
“Members pledged their support for the Committee to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and to collaborate closely to address any challenges that may arise.”
