Minimum wage, a constitutional matter‏; NGF yet to take a decision — Gov. Tambuwal

The issue of minimum wage is a constitutional matter which no state government can decide on its implementation or otherwise, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said.

According to Tambuwal, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) so far, has not taken any collective decision on the issue.

A statement issued by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said the Governor spoke when he granted audience to the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Waba.

“State have only minimal say on the issue of minimum wage because it is a constitutional matter. Any change desired for the present wage will have to come through a constitutional amendment to be performed by the National Assembly.

“We must correct the impression that Governors are against workers. That is not the case. We are partners in progress and our roles are complimentary of each other.

“In Sokoto specifically, we are evolving various policies to better the lots of our workers and improve on their productivity. They are important allies and we hold them in high esteem,” Tambuwal stated.

Earlier in his remarks, Waba commended Tambuwal for the leading role he played in championing labour issues especially when he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives.