The development comes barely a year after President Bola Tinubu approved a national minimum wage of ₦70,000. Imo State now has the highest minimum wage in the country, surpassing Ebonyi State's ₦90,000.
Labour Leaders Call for Wage Review
Labour leaders in several states, including Yobe, Niger, Ogun, Ekiti, Anambra, and Lagos, are demanding a fresh review of the minimum wage. They argue that the current ₦70,000 is unsustainable due to the rising cost of living.
Some labour leaders have specified their desired minimum wage:
- Yobe TUC Chairman Bulama Musa advocates for a holistic wage review.
- Niger State NLC Chairman Idrees Lafene hopes Governor Mohammed Bago will increase wages beyond ₦80,000.
- Ogun NLC Chairman Akeem Lasisi demands ₦110,000.
- Lagos NLC Chairperson Funmi Sesi demands ₦150,000.
States Oppose Wage Hike
However, labour leaders in Plateau, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Zamfara have expressed reservations about increasing the minimum wage. They cite various challenges, including security issues, pension arrears, and difficulties in implementing existing wage laws.
National Implications
The divide among labour leaders highlights the challenges facing the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as national wage negotiations approach. With disparities in minimum wages across states, labour experts warn that a new consensus is necessary to address the issue.