‘FG Favours N200,000 Minimum Wage, States Govt Express Doubts’

The Federal Government seems willing to raise the minimum wage to N200,000, but state governors have reiterated their inability to meet this commitment, a situation reminiscent of when the minimum wage was increased to N30,000 a few years ago.

In response, a technical working group has been established, chaired by Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo.

This group’s objective is to work out the details and address the related concerns.

According to a source who spoke to Vanguard last night, the wage increase topic was brought up and discussed at last month’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which Vice President, Kashim Shettima led.

At the NEC meeting, the Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission assured that the government could afford the N200,000 minimum monthly wage. They highlighted potential savings from subsidy removal and the depreciation of the naira’s value.

The commission suggested that funds saved from these policies could be allocated to states, enabling them to pay the new wage.

However, the proposal was met with scepticism from the state governors, and NEC members, who questioned their ability to meet the increased wage.

The source also mentioned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is personally convinced that Labour’s demand is achievable.

He cited his campaign promises as proof of his commitment to pay the increased wage.

It’s important to note that before his inauguration on May 29, the President had declared on Workers Day, May 1, that, “In Nigeria, I shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29, workers will have more than a minimum wage. You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families.”