The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has assured Nigerians and organized labour that ongoing negotiations will result in a better minimum wage. This commitment follows the governors’ previous rejection of the Federal Government’s proposed N62,000 minimum wage, citing financial constraints that would force some states to borrow funds to meet the new wage.
Governors’ Emergency Meeting
After the Federal Executive Council postponed the minimum wage discussion, the governors promptly held an emergency meeting on Tuesday. They aimed to allow President Bola Tinubu to conduct broader consultations. A communiqué released after the meeting was signed by NGF acting Director of Media, Ahmed Salihu. The forum discussed various national issues, including the new national minimum wage.
Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
The communiqué emphasized the NGF’s commitment to engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Specifically, “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 read.
Emphasis on Development Projects
Additionally, the meeting included a presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs on the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up. The governors emphasized the importance of implementing this project at the state level as originally conceived. They acknowledged the Ministry of Women Affairs’ contributions in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria.
Discussions with World Bank
Mr. Taimur Samad, the Acting Country Director of the World Bank, and his team discussed the bank’s various programs currently being implemented in the states with the NGF. These include the HOPE Series of Projects, Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality, Food and Nutrition Security, and NG-CARES: Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme.
Support for Fiscal Policy Reforms
Moreover, the forum received a briefing from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, who highlighted the progress made regarding ongoing fiscal policy and tax reforms. The governors pledged their support for these reforms, emphasizing their commitment to collaborating closely to address any challenges that may arise.
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