The Osun State Government has taken a notable step toward improving workers’ Welfare by approving a new Minimum Wage of ₦75,000 for civil servants. Following recommendations from the Public Service Negotiation Committee, Governor Ademola Adeleke decided to implement the increase, reflecting his administration’s commitment to enhancing the livelihood of public servants. The announcement came through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi. This decision aligns with the administration’s efforts to prioritise the well-being of its workforce despite limited financial resources.
As part of the process, the state’s negotiation team, led by Chief of Staff Kazeem Akinleye, collaborated with labour representatives under the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Osun State Chairman Christopher Arapasopo. Together, they worked to create a framework that balances employees’ needs with the state’s financial capacity. In approving the new wage, the government hopes to motivate civil servants to enhance service delivery and adopt innovative approaches to public service. These changes are expected to contribute to greater transparency, accountability, and overall development in Osun State.
Background to the increase and state taking the lead in its implementation.
Meanwhile, the federal government initiated an increase in the minimum wage earlier this year, driven by several pressing issues. The rising cost of living, fueled by Inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies, has made it increasingly difficult for civil servants to afford necessities. With this adjustment, the federal government aimed to address employee welfare, promote economic activity, and reduce income inequality. Improving civil servants’ living standards, especially those in lower-income brackets, was a central goal. By increasing disposable income, the policy is expected to stimulate consumer spending, which could, in turn, improve economic development.
However, challenges remain, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may struggle to accommodate higher labour costs. To ensure the policy’s sustainability, the government is expected to implement supportive measures for affected businesses. Moreover, several states have already implemented the revised minimum salary, with varying increases to reflect local conditions. Lagos State took the lead, announcing a minimum salary of ₦85,000 in October, which is ₦15,000 higher than the federal threshold. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also signalled plans to raise the wage further to ₦100,000 by January 2025, citing the unique economic pressures in Lagos.
States await policy implementation and remain optimistic about progress.
Similarly, Rivers State approved the payment of ₦85,000 for its employees in October, underscoring its commitment to worker welfare. Ogun State followed suit with a minimum wage of ₦77,000, as announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi. Gombe State agreed with the NLC in October to raise its minimum wage to ₦71,451.15. During a campaign event ahead of its governorship election, Ondo State announced a wage increase to ₦73,000. In Kogi State, a minimum salary of ₦72,500 was approved, accompanied by a one-year suspension of Tax on the additional amount to ease the transition for workers.
Despite progress in many states, some regions have yet to adopt the new minimum pay. This delay highlights the disparities in resource allocation and economic priorities across the nation. While the federal government has set the stage for improved worker welfare, the implementation pace remains uneven, raising concerns about consistency in addressing the plight of workers nationwide. On the other hand, introducing a higher minimum salary is a positive development for Nigerian workers, reflecting a broader commitment to economic fairness and social justice.
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Lastly, as more states adopt the new standards, there is hope for a more equitable distribution of resources and worker opportunities. Therefore, sustained efforts will be needed to address the challenges businesses and states face with limited resources. In Osun State, approving the new salary increase signifies a notable victory for civil servants. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government and labour organisations to create policies that meet workers’ needs while ensuring fiscal sustainability.