By Ayooluwa Ayobami
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially approved a new minimum wage of N85,000 for civil servants employed by the state government.
The decision was made during a closed-door meeting at the Government House, attended by representatives from the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
This move aligns Rivers State with other regions, as both Lagos and Delta States have previously announced similar wage increases, with Lagos also setting its minimum at N85,000 and Delta at N77,500.
The backdrop to these changes includes the recent signing of a N70,000 minimum wage bill into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024, concluding extensive discussions among government officials, labor unions, and private sector representatives.
While many governors have committed to the federal minimum, several states are opting for higher wages.
Below are other Governors also ready to pay above N70,000 minimum wage:
- Lagos State: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced an N85,000 minimum wage on October 16, 2024, highlighting the high cost of living and aiming to increase it to N100,000 by January 2025.
- Ogun State: Governor Dapo Abiodun set the new minimum wage at N77,000 on October 15, 2024.
- Gombe State: Governor Muhammad Yahaya signed an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress for a minimum wage of N71,500 on October 15, 2024.
- Ondo State: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced a rise to N73,000 for state workers on October 12, 2024, during his campaign launch.
- Kogi State: Governor Usman Ododo approved a minimum wage of N72,500, effective immediately, and suspended taxes on this amount for one year.
These developments reflect ongoing efforts across various states to address the economic challenges facing workers in Nigeria.
