By HeadlineNews.News Editorial Board
In a troubling development that calls into question the commitment of some state governors to constitutional obligations, at least 20 Nigerian state governors—among them Kaduna’s Uba Sani, Borno’s Babagana Zulum, and Imo’s Hope Uzodinma—are facing rising criticism for failing to implement the newly signed N70,000 minimum wage across all sectors, particularly for local government workers and public school teachers.
The revelation was made by the National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Alhaji Haruna Kankara, in a weekend interview with The PUNCH. He expressed disappointment that, despite the Federal Government’s directive and presidential assent to the Minimum Wage Act in July 2024, many governors have either selectively implemented or altogether ignored its application for LG workers and basic education teachers.
Democracy Is Local: Where Are the Governors?
While states like Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, Kwara, and Akwa Ibom have fully complied, others—including Yobe, Gombe, Zamfara, Cross River, Ebonyi, the FCT, and several others—have either partially complied or are still dragging their feet. Ironically, many of these same governors continue to invest heavily in public relations campaigns, commissioning infrastructure projects, and attending international forums—all while the very workers at the base of governance remain unpaid or underpaid.
It is important to reiterate: governors are not political influencers—they are administrators. As the heads of the second tier of Nigeria’s federal structure, they are constitutionally mandated to implement federal laws within their jurisdictions. Their refusal to execute the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act is not just disappointing—it borders on dereliction of duty.
In functioning democracies around the world, such actions—or inactions—would carry grave political consequences.
Global Accountability: A Lesson from Elsewhere
In South Korea, President Park Geun-hye was impeached and removed from office in 2017, not for outright criminality, but for a perceived breach of public trust.
In Brazil, President Dilma Rousseff was impeached in 2016 for budgetary misconduct and failure to meet obligations to public servants.
Even in the United States, state governors like Rod Blagojevich of Illinois were removed for abuse of office and neglect of lawful duties.
If these precedents mean anything, it is that democracy functions on the strength of accountability—and accountability starts with leadership.
Kwara, Sokoto Show It Can Be Done
Some states have made commendable efforts. In Kwara, payments began as far back as October 2024, even if workers continue to complain about excessive tax deductions. Sokoto State started disbursing the new wage in January 2025, albeit with some customization based on fiscal availability. These examples prove that with political will and budgetary discipline, compliance is possible.
FCT Teachers and the Protest of the Forgotten
The ongoing strikes by FCT teachers illustrate a deepening frustration. Teachers in Bwari, Kwali, and Abaji Area Councils have downed tools multiple times in recent months, with one teacher remarking: “Why the continuous impoverishing of the impoverished? Enough is enough!”
Their demands are straightforward—full implementation of the new wage, timely payment of arrears, and respect for agreed allowances such as the 40% peculiar allowance.
Yet, repeated promises remain unfulfilled.
What Kind of Nation Are We Building?
It is contradictory—if not hypocritical—for state governments to commission mega flyovers and urban renewal schemes while failing to pay a living wage to teachers who shape our future, or local government workers who manage grassroots governance. Infrastructure is essential, but so is human dignity.
The path to national prosperity is not paved in marble or asphalt—it is built through just governance, economic inclusion, and respect for labour. Any government that fails in these duties risks not only unrest but the erosion of public confidence.
Conclusion: Time for Governors to Act
This is a clarion call to the defaulting governors: implement the wage act in full. Do not undermine the federal structure or the authority of the Presidency. The dividends of democracy must be tangible to the people, not just in buildings or banners, but in the ability to afford daily bread.
Governors who delay justice are delaying peace.
At the end of the day, Nigerians continue to blame President Tinubu for the economic hardship experienced while Governors who are expected to pay workers the agreed minimum wage of N70,000, which is still insufficient have failed in their responsibility because they believe nothing would be done to them by their constituents. Today, the media as the watchdog of the society will expose these politicians who fail their people and cause more hardship to their people.
Headlinenews.news
HeadlineNews.News, blending strong factual reporting with a philosophical and democratic call to duty
Here’s a visual representation of the implementation status of the N70,000 minimum wage across Nigerian states:
States Paying Above N70,000 Minimum Wage:
Lagos State:
Rivers State:
Ogun State:
Gombe State:
Ondo State:
Kogi State:
Kebbi State:
Kaduna State:
Kano State:
States Paying N70,000 Minimum Wage:
Anambra State:
Katsina State:
Ebonyi State:
Adamawa State:
Akwa Ibom State:
Enugu State:
Bayelsa State:
Niger State:
Abia State:
Jigawa State:
Borno State:
Ekiti State:
Cross River State:
States Yet to Implement N70,000 Minimum Wage:
Bauchi State:
Benue State:
Imo State:
Kaduna State:
Kano State:
Nasarawa State:
Osun State:
Oyo State:
Plateau State:
Sokoto State:
Taraba State:
Yobe State:
Zamfara State:
Note: The above information is based on reports as of October 2024. For the most current status, please refer to official state communications.
Dr. Amiida
The National Patriots.
Here are some title options with a philosophical and patriotic tone, tailored for HeadlineNews.News:
“Beyond Abuja: The Governors Failing Their People in Silence” Member of the Diplomatic Corps.
“Wages of Neglect: When Governors Choose PR Over People” Professor, Elder & Leader of Socio Political Organisation.
“Democracy Betrayed at the State Level: Who Will Speak for the Workers?” – Legal Luminary.
“The Real Crisis Is in the States: Holding Governors Accountable” – State House of Assembly Member.
“Tinubu Takes the Blame, But the Burden Lies With the Governors” – Former Senator
“State of Deceit: When Ribbon-Cutting Replaces Responsible Governance” – House of Rep member.
“Silent Saboteurs: The Governors Undermining Democracy From Within”
Dr. Amiida, Headlinenews.news
“Economic Hardship and the Myth of Federal Responsibility”- UK Member of Parliament.
“Not Just Tinubu: The Hidden Hands Behind Nigeria’s Wage Crisis” – Comrade Bello.
“If the Governors Fail, Democracy Fails”.
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots.
These comments are reactions from the readership to this piece.
Compiled by Headlinenews.news.
