Enugu State Governor, Governor Peter Mbah of has officially approved a minimum wage of N80,000 for workers in the state, set to take effect in October 2024. This decision is a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of employees in Enugu.
The announcement was made on Governor Mbah’s official X account on Thursday. In his statement, he expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the state’s workforce, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to prioritizing their well-being in alignment with campaign promises.
“I have just approved a minimum wage of N80,000 for Enugu workers, effective October 2024. We appreciate the hard work and sacrifices of the state’s workforce and will continue to prioritize their welfare in line with our campaign promises,” he stated.
Enugu’s decision follows similar actions by other states in Nigeria. On Wednesday, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno also announced an N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set the minimum wage at N85,000 for public sector workers on October 16, while Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved an N85,000 minimum wage on October 18.
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This move comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu signing a new minimum wage bill into law in July, which raised the baseline salary for workers from N30,000 to N70,000. The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 has also reduced the review period for the minimum wage rate from five years to three years.
Employers are mandated to pay the new minimum wage to all workers, although exceptions exist for establishments with fewer than 25 employees, seasonal employment, and workers engaged in vessels or aircraft.
This adjustment aims to mitigate the economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers amid rising inflation and an economic downturn, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance the living standards of the workforce across the country.
