The Oyo state governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, faults the federal government for signing the 30,000 minimum wage bill into law.
Makinde says he intends to negotiate with the Oyo state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) because the state cannot afford to pay 30,000 minimum wage to workers.
The Oyo state governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, has said the state cannot pay the new national minimum wage of N30,000 just signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Makinde in a report in Tribune published on Wednesday, May 1, said the federal governments should have allowed states to negotiate the new minimum wage for their workers as the condition of living varies from state to state.
Makinde told reporters in Abuja after attending the induction programme for returning and newly elected governors that he intends to negotiate with the Oyo state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) because the state could not afford to pay the amount.
He said the federal government lacks the power to impose a national minimum wage on states since Nigeria is a federation.
In another news report, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has approved the N30,000 national minimum wage for workers in the state.
The governor made the disclosure at the Rwang Pam Township stadium, Jos on Wednesday, May 1 while addressing workers during the Labor Day celebration
Legit.ng gathers that Lalong, who was represented by the state’s head of service, Izam Azi, however, did not mention when he will commence the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Meanwhile, as Nigerian workers celebrate workers’ day on Wednesday, May 1, immediate payment of the new minimum wage has been demanded by the workers.
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, and the president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bobboi Bala Kaigama, jointly read the address to the workers at the May Day celebration held at the Eagles Square, Abuja.
Legit.ng gathers that the union leaders, who appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly for accepting the workers’ demand, said there was no better May Day gift as the N30,000 minimum wage.