By Gwurld4026 
Local Government Workers Report on N70,000 Wage Implementation
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has raised concerns that approximately 20 state governors have yet to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage for local government workers and primary school teachers. This wage increase, approved by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024, aimed to address the escalating cost of living and provide workers with a more sustainable income.
States Allegedly Delaying Implementation:
The states reportedly delaying the implementation include Yobe, Ebonyi, Cross River, Gombe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Imo, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, among others. In some cases, while state workers have received the new wage, local government employees and primary school teachers have not.
Calls for Action:
NULGE’s national president, Alhaji Haruna Kankara, expressed disappointment over these delays, stating that despite promises, many governors have failed to fulfill their obligations. He called for immediate action to ensure all eligible workers benefit from the new minimum wage.
Positive Developments:
Conversely, some governors have proactively increased wages beyond the mandated ₦70,000. For instance, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 in October 2024. Additionally, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State raised the minimum wage to ₦77,000 in the same period.
Background:
The push for a higher minimum wage intensified in May 2024 when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) initiated an indefinite strike, demanding an increase from ₦30,000 to ₦494,000. After extensive negotiations, the federal government and labor unions agreed on ₦70,000, with reviews scheduled every three years.
Implications:
The disparity in wage implementation across states highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s public sector wage distribution. While some regions have embraced the new wage structure, others lag, potentially affecting worker morale and contributing to regional disparities.