The Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Adewale Oyerinde, has asserted that no state in Nigeria has an excuse for failing to implement the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage.
During an interview on Tuesday, Oyerinde highlighted that the Federal Government’s consistent financial support to states has significantly increased their revenue, making any claims of inadequate funds indefensible.
“The issue of having funds to pay the ₦70,000 also doesn’t arise because it is no more hidden that the Federal Government is consistently supporting the state governments.
“The Federal Government’s allocation to states has increased proportionately. So with a little fiscal discipline, no state should complain that they cannot pay the ₦70,000 as approved by the president,” he said.
Oyerinde stressed the importance of states complying with the new wage law and urged them to ensure its inclusion in their budgets for 2025 if it was not factored into the 2024 financial plan.
“We don’t see the states not paying. We want to believe that it has been factored into their 2025 budgets. Those that say it wasn’t in their 2024 budgets, most are presenting their budgets now or have already presented it to their house of assemblies. So we believe it’s in their 2025 budgets and we hope earnestly that everybody will abide by the ₦70,000,” he stated.
Addressing potential resistance from some states, Oyerinde urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to adopt stronger and more proactive strategies to ensure compliance.
“If they refuse to pay, because capacity is not an issue now, I think the NLC and TUC probably will have to engage more, probably change their strategy for engagement so that they can get all the states to pay,” he advised.
Oyerinde emphasised the importance of strict adherence to the ₦70,000 minimum wage, despite economic obstacles generated by its ratification.
He urged stakeholders to uphold their obligations.
“The reality is that ₦70,000 has come to stay, and everybody should align with the law except those exempted,” he told reporters.
Oyerinde concluded by arguing for collective accountability and urging all stakeholders to ensure that the order is followed in the benefit of Nigerian workers and economic stability.