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Nigeria’s National Minimum Wage Act of 2019 sets the minimum wage at ₦30,000 per month for all employees. The minimum wage applies to all employees, including those in the private and public sectors, except for employers with less than 25 employees and employers are required to pay their employees at least once a month, from which taxes and other authorized deductions are effected.
The Law comes with enforcement and penalties for Non-Compliance as employers who fail to pay the minimum wage or violate other provisions of the Act are liable to fines and penalties It’s worth noting that the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019 was a result of efforts by the Nigerian government to review and update the minimum wage to reflect the current economic realities in the country.
Nigeria’s 2024 minimum wage provisions have undergone some changes. As of July 29, 2024, the National Minimum Wage Act was amended to increase the minimum wage rate for all workers in Nigeria. The new minimum wage is set at ₦70,000 per month, which is an increase from the previous rate of ₦30,000 per month It is worth noting that the amendment aims to improve the standard of living for Nigerian workers and reduce poverty.
A living wage is the minimum income required for an individual or family to meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living. It varies based on location, family size, and composition. A living wage breakdown component takes care of Housing, Food, Transportation, Healthcare, Education, Childcare, Savings and other miscellaneous daily needs.
To every Nigerian and indeed, the working class, a living wage ensures basic needs are met, it reduces poverty and income inequality, promotes economic stability and security and supports human dignity and well-being. Benefits of Living Wage Salaries includes, but not limited to; improved employee well-being and morale, increased productivity and contribution to local economic growth and stability.
Governor Ododo’s master stroke of N72,500 per month new minimum wage with Tax burden on the approved sum suspended for a year for Kogi State, is a bold, innovative, and effective decision or initiative that demonstrates visionary leadership and sets a new standard or precedent. It will no doubt achieve multiple objectives simultaneously that will make a significant and lasting positive impact.
The Servant Leader’s wage master stroke is a function of strategic thinking, courageous decision-making, innovative problem-solving, collaboration and stakeholder engagement towards effective implementation. Much benefit are sure to come along with the Governor’s master strokes, including; improved governance, enhanced economic growth, social progress, and increased transparency and accountability.
Key factors of Governor Ododo’s new wage master strokes is an indication of strong leadership, clear vision of objectives, and stakeholder engagement. It is indeed a reflection of his government’s Continuity and Consolidation of a renewed transformation agenda for a healthy and happy civil service.
Kudos must be given to Honourable Pastor Elijah Evenemi, the Kogi State Head of Service and his Technical Team for the speed at which the minimum wage policy is being implemented in Kogi State. Our HoS has demonstrated efficient and timely service delivery, citizen-centric approach responsiveness to citizens yearnings, transparency in decision-making processes with stakeholder engagement and participation.
His Excellency’s new minimum wage master stroke in Kogi State is set to achieve a healthy and happy civil service as it is an investment in employee development and well-being that support work-life balance. His civil service agenda exhibits; clear vision and mission, effective leadership and management, merit-based recruitment and promotion, transparency and accountability, and efficient communication channels.
It is also an indication of continuous learning and development opportunities, performance-based evaluation, collaborative and inclusive work environment and rewards for an overall employee wellness and high job satisfaction and engagement.
The master stroke of the new minimum wage in Kogi State is no doubt as a result of efficient resource allocation, effective budgeting and financial management, reduced waste and corruption, increased federal allocation and internal revenue generation, sustainable financial planning and compliance with financial regulations
With His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in Luggard House as the Servant Leader, Kogites are sure to exhibit positive public perception, with high trust and confidence in government coupled with active citizen participation, laced with respect for human rights and dignity.
Akóró Nda, Ozi-Adayi Ododo Upogoro. You have put Kogi State in the lead, even above the Federal Government. Your minimum wage master stroke in Kogi State is indeed a function of your widely acclaimed humble background. May the flower of the ‘Flower Boy’ continue to blossom to take Kogi State on a development journey of Governor Ododo’s mantra of Continuity and Consolidation. The new Kogi minimum wage is a Master-Stroke, a ‘Chef-D’aeuvre’.