One-Size-Fits-All Minimum Wage is Impractical, Says Doyin Okupe

Doyin Okupe, the former Director-General of the Peter Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation, has suggested that all 36 state governors in Nigeria should have the authority to set their respective minimum wages. He criticized the current National Minimum Wage Act, which mandates a uniform minimum wage for all states, arguing that it does not account for the varying economic conditions and capabilities of each state.

Okupe expressed these views during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Friday. He emphasized that a one-size-fits-all approach to minimum wage is impractical given the diverse economic landscapes across Nigeria’s states.

“The current National Minimum Wage Act, which requires all governors to pay a uniform minimum wage, is flawed,” Okupe stated. “Each state has its unique financial and economic circumstances, and it would be more effective for governors to have the flexibility to set wages that reflect their state’s economic realities.”

Okupe also addressed President Bola Tinubu, urging him to devolve the responsibility of setting minimum wages to the states. He suggested that states should negotiate directly with their labor unions to determine appropriate minimum wage levels.

“President Tinubu should allow state governments and their respective labor unions to negotiate and agree on a new minimum wage,” Okupe said. “This decentralized approach would ensure that wage agreements are realistic and sustainable, tailored to the specific economic conditions of each state.”

Okupe’s comments highlight an ongoing debate in Nigeria about the best way to address wage disparities and economic inequality, with some advocating for greater autonomy for state governments in economic decision-making.

Photo credit: DAILYPOST