Kehinde Fajobi
The Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale Oyerinde, has stated that all 36 states have no justification for failing to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage signed into law in July 2024.
Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Oyerinde said state governments had received sufficient support from the Federal Government to pay the new wage.
“We have moved away from the context of hope. The reality now is what we should face. The reality for all stakeholders, whether at the federal, state, or local government, is that ₦70,000 has come to stay, and everybody should align with the law except those that are exempted,” he said.
He emphasised that the Federal Government had consistently supported states through increased allocations, making funds available for the wage implementation.
“The issue of having funds to pay the ₦70,000 also does not arise because it is no longer hidden that the Federal Government has been consistently supporting the state governments.
“The allocations to state governments have increased proportionately. So, with a little fiscal discipline, no state should complain that they can’t pay ₦70,000 as approved by the president,” Oyerinde stated.
He urged the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to change their strategies to ensure governors comply with the minimum wage law.
The new law raised workers’ wages from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, with many state governments pledging compliance, while others cited financial constraints.
Oyerinde stressed that the minimum wage is a legal obligation and must be implemented across the board.