NGF Urges Data-Driven Minimum Wage, Calls for State Policing Amendment

Members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) convened in a virtual meeting on Wednesday, 20th March 2024, to deliberate on pressing national issues. The forum, chaired by H.E Abdul Rahman Abdul Rasaq, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, addressed a range of topics and reached several resolutions.

Firstly, the NGF expressed condolences to the Governor of Delta State, H.E Sheriff Oborevwori, following a tragic communal clash between Okuama and Okolaba in Delta State. The clash resulted in multiple fatalities, including sixteen military personnel. The forum condemned the violence and observed a minute of silence in honor of the deceased.

In reviewing the progress of the National Minimum Wage Committee (NMWC), the NGF emphasized the importance of considering current economic realities and individual state peculiarities. The forum stressed the need for data-driven and evidence-based proposals to ensure a fair minimum wage that is sustainable for both government and private sector employers.

One of the key topics discussed was the call for state policing as a critical amendment in the ongoing constitutional amendment proceedings. The NGF highlighted this as a necessary step to address a fundamental flaw in the national security architecture.

The forum also addressed concerns raised by the United States Embassy regarding illegal and fraudulent intercountry adoption of Nigerian children by US citizens. The NGF pledged to engage relevant government agencies to tackle issues of systemic fraud and corruption in the adoption process.

Another important focus was the progress made by states in implementing business-enabling reforms under the World Bank-supported State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Program. Members were encouraged to leverage support within the program to stimulate economic growth through improved land administration, investment promotion frameworks, and regulatory environments.

Furthermore, the NGF received updates on the Health Sector Renewal Compact, the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge, and the UNICEF Child Nutrition Fund. Members reaffirmed their commitment to implementing necessary actions and reforms to achieve the objectives of these initiatives.

Peoples Gazette