No Excuses: Gov AbdulRazaq Must Implement N70k New Minimum Wage, Consequential Adjustment For Kwara Workers
By Lawal Akanbi Sharafadeen
Before I begin, let me quickly react to the recent article by Babatunde Lawal misrepresenting former Governor Bukola Saraki's stance on the 18,000 minimum wage during his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum. Saraki’s comments in 2011 were not a blanket refusal to implement the N18,000 minimum wage, but a realistic assessment of the challenges some states would face due to economic constraints. While emphasising the importance of stakeholders working together and avoiding political gamesmanship to ensure fair implementation. Kwara State was one of the first batch States that led in implementation of the 18,000 minimum wage the same year it was agreed upon. Check your records with open mind and consult those Labour Leaders around to set the record straight.
The Nigerian Governors' Forum, under Amaechi's leadership, resolved on July 16, 2011, to comply with the Minimum Wage Act and began implementation modalities in their respective states. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq should consider the precedent set by Saraki and the 2011 Governors' Forum as he addresses the newly passed N70,000 minimum wage. By publicly articulating a clear and realistic plan for implementing the new wage, Abdulrazaq and his unintelligent team should dispel misinformation and foster a constructive dialogue on workers welfare in Kwara State.
Following over six months of back-and-forth discussions and negotiations between the Federal government team and the organised labour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last week Thursday, approved N70,000 as the new national minimum wage for workers in the country. While this is coming more than a year after the president announced the removal of fuel subsidy and made a pledge of an improved minimum wage, it is heartwarming that finally, an agreement has been reached.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed news of the approved N70,000 minimum wage shortly after President Tinubu met with labour leaders at the State House in Abuja.
Following this development, the President, on Tuesday, transmitted the new National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage. He separately wrote to the Senate and the House of Representatives, requesting prompt consideration of the bill to amend the National Minimum Wage Act 2019, increasing the National Minimum Wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
In consideration of the urgency of the matter, the federal lawmakers swiftly passed the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 (Amendment Bill), with President Tinubu now expected to sign the bill into law any moment soon. With the passage of the bill by the National Assembly and the expected assent of Mr President, the focus has now shifted to the state level as regard compliance and implementation.
Meanwhile, some state governors have expressed commitment to comply and implement the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage for workers in their respective. Some of these governors include Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Peter Mbah of Enugu. On his part, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo said implementing the new minimum wage wouldn't be too challenging for his government.
However, many governors are yet to make any commitment regarding the implementation of the approved minimum wage. Notable among them is the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who doubles as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF. Regardless of whether he's made commitment or not, the fact remains that Governor Abdulrazaq and his colleagues have no excuse not to pay the new minimum wage, especially considering the significant increase in FAAC allocations to their states.
When converted to dollars, the new minimum wage amounts to less than $50, highlighting how meagre the new approved salary is. The substantial decline in the value of the naira exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for workers to afford basic necessities despite the increased minimum wage. This reality underscores the urgency for state governors, including Governor AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, to implement the new minimum wage without delay.
As a Kwaran, I'm more concerned about my state. While some governors have already expressed their commitment to pay the N70,000 minimum wage, Kwarans are still waiting to hear from their own governor. By now, we expect Governor AbdulRazaq to have initiated measures to ensure the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage in the State.
Nearly three months ago, organised labour in Kwara appealed to Governor Abdulrazaq to constitute the state minimum wage committee and inaugurate the committee immediately before the pronouncement on the minimum wage by the president of the country. According to the labour unions, the constitution of the committee would fast-track the process of the implementation of the new national minimum wage and the consequential adjustment for workers in the state. The governor, however, refused to heed the call of the workers. I do hope that with the passage of the new minimum wage bill by the National Assembly, Governor Abdulrazaq will consider it necessary to now form and inaugurate a state minimum wage committee to discuss implementation and consequential adjustment.
As the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Governor AbdulRazaq should lead by example. It is incumbent upon him to not only implement the N70,000 wage but must also ensure consequential adjustments for all categories of workers employed by the state. This leadership is critical in setting a precedent for other states and demonstrating a commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.
It is important that Governor Abdulrazaq ensures implementation of consequential adjustment on the new minimum wage. All categories of workers must be considered as they have all been impacted by the current economic challenges in the country. While I understand that the state economy and revenues accruing to the state represent major determinants of the consequential adjustment, it is imperative for the government to ensure justice and fairness in its decision. This is why the government must engage the labour unions in the state and arrive at a fair agreement for Kwara workers. The labour leaders must not compromise and betray the workers.
Governor Abdulrazaq must know that implementing the new minimum wage and effecting consequential adjustment is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral one. The livelihoods of workers in Kwara State depend on it. The increased FAAC allocations should be utilized to improve the standard of living for the state's workforce, who are essential to the state's growth and development.
Moreover, implementing the new wage can stimulate economic activity within the state, as workers with higher disposable incomes are likely to spend more, thereby boosting local businesses and contributing to economic stability. It is time for Governor AbdulRazaq to lead by example by taking immediate action and ensuring the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments.
Lawal Akanbi Sharafadeen writes from Kwara State Capital.
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