About 20 states across Nigeria have yet to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for local government workers and primary school teachers, according to the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
The National President of NULGE, Alhaji Haruna Kankara, listed states such as Yobe, Gombe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), among others, as being non-compliant with the wage law.
Following the signing of the Minimum Wage Act, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024, several states began implementation. These include Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Jigawa, Gombe, Ogun, Kebbi, Ondo, and Kogi.
The Act increased the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 — a 133 percent rise — as a measure to cushion economic hardship.
Speaking on the situation, Alhaji Kankara said, “We are facing challenges in about 20 states. Some have begun paying state-level workers but excluded local government workers and primary school teachers. Despite assurances from some state governments, implementation remains incomplete. We are continuing our advocacy.”
He also highlighted ongoing issues with the implementation of local government autonomy, stating that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has yet to direct local councils to open independent bank accounts, a step seen as vital for financial autonomy.
In Kwara State, local government workers have received the new minimum wage since October 2024. However, heavy taxation has significantly reduced take-home pay.
“The government approved the minimum wage but imposed steep taxes. After appeals, workers received only a three-month tax relief, which ended in December. Deductions resumed in January,” said Seun Oyinlade, the state NULGE president.
Confirming this, NLC State Chairman Muritala Olayinka said the union has written to the state governor requesting an extension of the tax holiday.