Former Presidential Spokesman Okupe Advocates for State Governors to Determine Minimum Wage
In a recent appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today, former presidential spokesman Doyin Okupe stirred up controversy by suggesting that state governors should have the authority to set the minimum wage for workers in their respective states. Okupe criticized the National Minimum Wage Act, arguing that a uniform minimum wage across the country is unrealistic due to the diverse economic conditions and revenue capacities of individual states.
According to Okupe, the decision-making power should lie with the governors themselves, as they are better positioned to understand the needs and affordability of their states. He emphasized that forcing all governors to comply with a singular minimum wage standard is not practical and advocated for a more decentralized approach to setting minimum wage rates.
Okupe's remarks come amid ongoing discussions on a new minimum wage proposal by the Federal Government, which has suggested N62,000 as the new minimum wage. This proposal contrasts with the demands of labour unions, who have adjusted their request from N494,000 to N250,000.
The recent dispute over the minimum wage culminated in a brief indefinite strike earlier this week, which was called off to allow for further negotiations. The debate on the minimum wage issue continues to be a significant point of contention between the government, labour unions, and various stakeholders across the nation.