Eight months after the Federal Government’s introduction of a ₦35,000 supplementary wage award to alleviate economic pressures, 15 states have yet to comply, while seven others have ceased payments after briefly complying. This additional award, on top of the standard ₦30,000 minimum wage, creates a complex financial scenario for many state workers across Nigeria. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized non-compliant states, calling the inaction “the height of insensitivity” amid rising economic challenges.
The geographical spread of non-compliant states includes one from the South-East, four from the South-South, three from the North-East, two from the North-Central, and five from the North-West. Some states, like Delta, Niger, and Plateau, had initially started the wage bonus but discontinued it within four months. Conversely, states like Lagos, Edo, and Bayelsa have implemented and exceeded the minimum guideline, providing increments ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦40,000.
During a March visit to Minna, Niger State, President Bola Tinubu urged all 36 state governors to ensure the implementation of the wage award to mitigate widespread economic difficulties. Despite this plea, many states await further guidance. Delta and Akwa Ibom are reviewing their positions, while Rivers and Akwa Ibom await the outcome of federal negotiations. President Tinubu has committed to sending an executive bill to the National Assembly soon to address the wage issue comprehensively.