NGF Vows Better Minimum Wage Outcome After Talks With Labour

NGF assures improved minimum wage amid ongoing negotiations with organized labour.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has assured Nigerians and organized labour that ongoing negotiations will lead to an improved minimum wage.

Initially rejecting the Federal Government’s proposed N62,000 minimum wage, citing potential borrowing to meet salary obligations, the governors face continued demands from organized labour for a N250,000 wage.

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Following the Federal Executive Council’s postponement of minimum wage discussions to allow broader consultations led by President Bola Tinubu, the governors convened an emergency meeting.

After extensive deliberations, the NGF issued a communiqué in the early hours of Thursday, signed by acting Director of Media Ahmed Salihu. It outlined discussions on national issues and reaffirmed commitment to finding a mutually acceptable minimum wage solution through continued engagement with stakeholders.

The governors also underscored the importance of implementing the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up at the state level, acknowledging the primary responsibility of states in this regard.

The communiqué indicated that the forum discussed the new national minimum wage and agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach 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 emphasized 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 highlighted the significance of the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up and stressed the necessity of implementing it at the state level as originally intended, given that the states are the primary entities responsible for the project.

The communique 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 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 SABER: State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Program, 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 which would directly impact the subnational level of government.