Governors of the 36 states have rejected the federal government’s proposed N60,000 minimum wage.
Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, Director of Media and Public Affairs for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), announced this in a statement on Friday, June 7.
The governors argued that the N60,000 wage is unrealistic and unsustainable, warning that its implementation would force some states to borrow funds to pay workers’ salaries.
The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) agrees that a new minimum wage is due and sympathizes with labor unions in their push for higher wages. However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.
“The NGF cautions that any agreement reached should be sustainable and realistic. The N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not feasible, as it would result in many states using all their FAAC allocations solely for salaries, leaving nothing for development. Some states might even have to borrow to pay workers monthly, which is not in the country’s best interest.
“We appeal to all parties, especially labor unions, to consider all socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all segments of society with legitimate claims to public resources.”
