In a recent development, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has reassured Nigerians and the organized labor sector that progress is being made in negotiations towards a new minimum wage. This assurance follows earlier disagreements over the proposed wage amount.
Previously rejecting the Federal Government’s suggested wage of N62,000, citing financial constraints in some states, the governors convened an emergency meeting after the Federal Executive Council postponed discussions to allow for broader consultations led by President Bola Tinubu.
According to a communiqué issued after an extensive session that concluded early Thursday morning, the NGF remains committed to achieving a consensus on the new minimum wage. Ahmed Salihu, acting Director of Media for the NGF, confirmed that the forum deliberated on various national issues, including the wage matter.
“The Forum discussed the new National Minimum Wage. The governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution. We remain dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations,” the communiqué stated.
Additionally, the governors addressed other national concerns, such as the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, underscoring the importance of implementing such initiatives at the state level to promote gender equality and social development.
The NGF’s commitment to ongoing dialogue signifies a positive step towards resolving the minimum wage issue, with further updates expected as negotiations progress.
