FG Urges States to Implement New Minimum Wage of N70,000

FG Urges States to Implement New Minimum Wage of N70,000

The Federal Government has urged states that have not yet implemented the ₦70,000 national minimum wage to begin payments immediately.

Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this appeal on Monday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fully enforcing the newly approved wage. Speaking to reporters at the presidential villa in Abuja, Akume described the initiative as complete and unwavering.

He stated, “The federal government is entirely committed to this; there are no half measures.” The SGF noted that President Bola Tinubu prioritized the minimum wage issue early in his tenure by establishing a tripartite committee involving federal representatives, state governors, and the private sector, which led to a consensus on the new wage standard.

Akume acknowledged that some states have already begun implementing the wage increase, with a few even exceeding the ₦70,000 threshold. He commended those states for their prompt action and encouraged others to fulfill their obligations without delay.

He remarked, “The new minimum wage has always been a key concern for President Tinubu’s administration, which is why we established this committee to address all related issues comprehensively.”

The SGF’s comments followed a meeting with President Tinubu, marking his first official engagement after the recent cabinet reshuffle. He indicated that the meeting was part of routine discussions on state matters.