As more state governors express their commitment to implementing the new N70,000 national minimum wage, the Bauchi State Government has not yet declared its readiness to adopt the new salary structure.
The revised minimum wage, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024, marks a significant increase from the previous N30,000, aiming to address the escalating cost of living and improve the welfare of Nigerian civil servants.
The new minimum wage followed a series of meetings that involved the Organised Labour, private sector representatives, and the federal government, resulting in a Tripartite Committee decision after prolonged negotiations.
However, implementing the increased wage at the state level has sparked mixed reactions from governors across the country, with some readily embracing the change and others citing financial limitations as a hindrance.
According to The Tribune Online, several state governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, have already declared their readiness to implement the N70,000 minimum wage.
Others on the list include Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Governors Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Hyacinth Alia (Benue) have also pledged to meet the new salary obligations.
The absence of Bauchi State from this list raises questions about the state’s financial capacity and commitment to implementing the new wage law.
While workers in the state await further announcements, the delay may be attributed to the need for the government to evaluate its economic situation and budgetary provisions before making a formal commitment.
As the conversation around the new minimum wage continues, stakeholders in Bauchi and across the country will be keenly watching to see if more states will join the growing list of those prepared to ease the economic burden on civil servants.
