NECA DG Says States Have No Excuse for Not Paying Beyond ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

 The Director General of NECA has declared that state governments have no justification for failing to implement wages above the ₦70,000 minimum, urging compliance.

Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), stated that state governments lack any excuse for not paying salaries above the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage. Speaking at a labor conference in Abuja, Oyerinde emphasized that states’ improved federal allocations, following fuel subsidy removal, provide sufficient funds to meet and exceed the wage benchmark. He called for accountability, urging governors to prioritize workers’ welfare to boost productivity and economic stability.

The ₦70,000 minimum wage, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2025, has sparked debates, with some states citing financial constraints despite increased revenues. Oyerinde argued that efficient resource management could enable states to surpass the minimum, citing examples of private sector compliance. Recent X posts highlight public frustration over wage delays, amplifying pressure on states. NECA’s stance aligns with labor unions’ demands for timely implementation to address rising living costs.

The declaration has ignited discussions. Some praise NECA for holding states accountable, while others argue that structural economic challenges complicate compliance. The statement tests governors’ commitment to workers’ rights and Nigeria’s labor policy framework. As states face scrutiny, Oyerinde’s call could drive wage reforms, shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape and workers’ livelihoods.