The Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, has praised state governors who recently approved wage increases for their workers despite Nigeria’s tough economic climate.
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Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Oyerinde specifically commended Imo and Ebonyi States for their bold steps. Imo State recently approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants, while Ebonyi set its new benchmark at ₦90,000.
He noted that such actions reflect either improved federation allocations, prudent resource management, or the increased productivity of workers. Oyerinde urged other governors to follow suit, stressing that states have no excuse not to pay their workers a living wage given current realities.
“Workers are the backbone of the economy,” he said. “With subsidy removal and ongoing reforms, anything that boosts their motivation and productivity should be prioritized.”
He also encouraged states to channel increased federal allocations into broader economic support, such as food security and housing, while commending those already deploying CNG buses to ease transportation costs for workers.
However, Oyerinde raised concern about the growing tax burden on private businesses as many states seek to boost their internally generated revenue. He warned that such practices could undermine the federal government’s tax reform agenda, which is aimed at reducing pressure on employers.
Beyond wage increases, Oyerinde emphasized the importance of investing in human capital development. “If you don’t train workers, you’re shortchanging your own government. Minimum wage is important, but capacity-building is what truly drives productivity,” he said.
He highlighted NECA’s own collaboration with Microsoft to train Nigerians in artificial intelligence (AI) skills as a practical example of how targeted training can enhance workforce competitiveness.
