Governors not opposed to new minimum wage –Sule
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has clarified the stance of governors regarding the new minimum wage for workers, emphasising that they were not opposed to it.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Sule, who stressed that he was expressing his personal opinion, said he was unaware of any state where the government was unable to pay the old minimum wage rate, explaining that Nasarawa has been paying the N30,000 minimum wage since 2019 and has also implemented promotions, gratuities, and other benefits for workers.
He highlighted the importance of the welfare of workers and expressed support for the ongoing committee established by the federal government to review workers pay, adding that governors are awaiting the committees outcome before making decisions on the minimum wage issue.
“Were concerned about the welfare of the workers. In fact, were paying some special allowances called hazard allowance, even to our medical workers, as Im talking to you right now. So I dont think governors have any problem with the payment of minimum wage. I dont speak for the governors. Our chairman, the Governor of Kwara, actually speaks for the governors and he will do that at the right time to you. But it is incorrect, actually, to say that governors are not interested or are not cooperating. What the governors keep saying is that there is a committee established by the Federal Government to work on the minimum wage.
“We are waiting for the outcome of that committee and that committee is not just looking at the Federal Government, its looking at the state governments and organised private sector. We dont want to jump the gun. You may find one or two states make certain statements, which is okay perfectly in line. Minimum is minimum. When they say minimum wage, it doesnt mean that somebody cannot be higher than that, depending on your own cashflow and on your own position. So, I think thats the position.”
He cited the successful establishment of a lithium factory by foreign investors as evidence of the states security and conducive business environment.
“We have constructed a major road in the area and the Federal Government also constructed the major road that comes all the way from Benue into Nasarawa State, which most of the transporters from the eastern part of the country are actually using at the moment.
“We also established what you call a military super-camp in the area. So, there is a military presence in the area. All those kidnappers, bandits and others have all left, we dont have any as far as that area is concerned. Nasarawa State is always considered as one of the safest states to do agriculture and other things.”
Sule also pointed out Nasarawas achievements in agriculture, ranking highly in Sesame farming, yam, cassava and rice production.
“Now, coming back to the agriculture that you have mentioned, since the past two to three years, Nasarawa State has been leading in so many areas of agriculture. Today, Im happy to tell you that we are number one in sesame farming in the whole federation. Nobody does more than that. Were number two in yam production throughout the country. We are number two in cassava throughout the country and we are number five in rice production.
“So, if people are not going to farms, well not be achieving these kinds of numbers. These are the realities on ground, these are things that you can go and find out on your own. So, as far as we are concerned, were not saying that there are no kidnappings in Nasarawa. From time to time, youll find it here and there, but in Nasarawa State there is also oil drilling going on. With the oil drilling, I dont think any of you has ever heard anything about kidnapping and things like that taking place.”
In the meeting with Shettima, Sule said he discussed the upcoming commissioning of the lithium factory in the state, expressing optimism that President Bola Tinubu will be present at the event.