Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has assured that they support better minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
The governors said the wider consultations requested by the president, Bola Tinubu, were necessary to ensure all stakeholders agree on what can be afforded.
In a statement on Thursday, June 27, signed by NGF acting Media Director, Ahmed Salihu, the governors said they would give necessary support required for effective implementation of policies.
NGF had earlier said governors cannot be able to pay N62,000 minimum wage submitted to the President by the new minimum wage tripartite committee. The governors said any amount more than 60,000 would affect governors’ FAAC allocation and other sectors of the state expenses.
President Tinubu during Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Tuesday, June 25, called for more consultation on the new minimum wage. President Tinubu said more consultation with Organized Private Sector (OPS) and other stakeholders would ensure arriving at agreed wage.
“The Forum received a presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs on the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, along with other activities of the ministry. Members noted the importance of the project and emphasized the need to implement it at the state level as initially conceived, as the states are the primary obligors of the project.
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“The governors acknowledge the work and contributions of the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria.
“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.
“We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.
“Members received the Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Mr. Taimur Samad, and his team to discuss the bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including HOPE Series of Projects: Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality, Food and Nutrition Security, NFWP-SU: Nigeria For Women Project Scale Up, NG-CARES: Nigeria Community Action (for) Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme SABER: State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Program, SPIN: Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project.
“Members expressed willingness to continue to provide the much-needed support to ensure programme effectiveness across the country.
“Members received a briefing from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. He highlighted the progress made regarding the ongoing Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. He sought the input and support of their excellencies on a number of proposals which would directly impact the subnational level of government.
“Members pledged their support for the Committee to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and to collaborate closely to address any challenges that may arise.”
