From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The 36 state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have opted for more consultations with key stakeholders on the new minimum wage proposal to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
In a communique issued at the end of the emergency meeting and signed by its chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors assured of their dedication to the process that would emerge from the ongoing negotiations.
“The governors agreed to continue engaging with the 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 governors had recently expressed concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed N62,000 minimum wage, warning that it was unsustainable.
They argued that implementing such a wage would result in many states allocating their entire monthly federation account disbursements solely to payment of salaries.
They had, therefore, urged the tripartite committee to agree on a fair and sustainable minimum wage.
The Federal Government had, on Tuesday, announced that President Bola Tinubu would engage in further consultations before reaching a decision.
The Forum members also deliberated on issues affecting the country, including receiving the acting Country Director of the World Bank, Taimur Samad and his team, to discuss the Bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states.
“Members expressed willingness to continue to provide the much-needed support to ensure programme effectiveness across the country,” the communique stated.
The members also received a briefing from Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele.
“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 challenge that may arise.”
The Forum also received a presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, 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 emphasised the need to implement it at the state level as initially conceived, since the states are the primary obligors of the project.
“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 communique stated.
