The Nigerian Governors’ Forum says the National Minimum Wage Committee (NMWC) should consider each state’s current realities and unique circumstances.

Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Rasaq, the NGF chair, said this in a communique on Wednesday after a virtual meeting with other governors.

“Members reviewed the progress of the National Minimum Wage Committee (NMWC) and ongoing multi-stakeholder engagements towards agreeing on a fair minimum wage. 

“Members urged the NMWC to consider the current realities, individual state peculiarities and consequential impact on the capacity of the government as well as private sector employers to pay. Members also emphasised the need for proposals to be data-driven and evidence-based,” the statement explained.

On insecurity, the governors said it highlighted the need for State policing as a critical amendment in the ongoing 1999 Constitutional Amendment proceedings to correct a fundamental flaw in the national security architecture.

Other discussions include members reviewing the progress made by various states in implementing business-enabling reforms. 

The communique urged participants to take advantage of the programme’s support to achieve their goals.

“The forum discussed the progress made by States in implementing various business-enabling reforms, including those aimed at improving land administration, public-private partnership (PPP), investment promotion frameworks, business-enabling infrastructure and regulatory environment under the World Bank-supported State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Program for Result,” said the communique. “Members were implored to leverage available support within the programme in implementing related reforms to stimulate further economic growth.”

It added, “The forum received an update from the NGF Senior Health Advisor, Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab on the Health Sector Renewal Compact, the next round of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge and the UNICEF Child Nutrition Fund. 

“Members restated their commitment to deliver on requisite actions and reforms to achieve the objectives of the various initiatives.”