Pay Above ₦70k or No Excuse, NECA Tells States
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has asserted that state governments across the country have no justification for failing to pay civil servants above the newly established ₦70,000 national minimum wage.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program, NECA’s Director General, Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, emphasized that the recent rise in federal allocations has addressed the long-standing argument by some states regarding the inability to meet wage obligations. He maintained that with the increased flow of revenue from the Federation Account, states are now better positioned to improve workers’ welfare.
Recall that in July 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law, increasing the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. This followed months of negotiations involving the federal government, labour unions, and private sector stakeholders.
Since then, several state governments have taken steps to further enhance worker welfare. On August 27, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, announced an increase in the state’s minimum wage to ₦104,000. The following day, the Ebonyi State Government followed suit, implementing a new minimum wage of ₦90,000 for all civil and public servants.
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Smatt-Oyerinde praised these moves but insisted more states must follow suit.
“No state really has an excuse in the context of the current reality to remain at ₦70,000,” he said. “Especially considering the ongoing challenges with the price of petrol and general cost of living. While many states are exploring initiatives like CNG buses, more needs to be done to support workers.”
He stressed that issues of food security, housing, and transportation must be prioritized to ensure that wages translate into meaningful living conditions.
“The conversation shouldn’t just be about the quantum of the minimum wage, but about what ₦70,000 can actually buy,” he explained.
Highlighting the role of workers as key drivers of the economy, the NECA boss urged state governments to recognize civil servants as the engine of public administration and economic development. He noted that addressing workers’ basic needs will significantly enhance productivity, especially as Nigeria continues implementing wide-ranging economic reforms.
“Workers, both in the public and private sectors, are critical to economic growth and development,” he said. “When a worker is hungry, lacks shelter or transportation, it becomes nearly impossible to be productive at work.”
Smatt-Oyerinde concluded by echoing the stance of the International Labour Organization (ILO), stating that workers should not be treated as commodities but as vital contributors to national development.
Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit: Punchnewspaper.com
