By Emmanuel Sixtus
The governor of Anambra State has been on the opposing end of the new minimum wage, which was negotiated between the country’s workers and President Bola Amed Tinubu without the presence of the state governors.
He had opposed the amount agreed upon by the Nigerian Labour Congress, citing the inability of his state to meet the threshold. He also tried to discredit the federal government agreement with the NLC, citing the exclusion of the governors during the negotiations.
Seeking a way to evade the new minimum wage, the governor, who had promised to pay the amount agreed upon after internal negotiations failed between him and the state chapter of the NLC, devised a new way to cut down on the minimum wage.
In a recent announcement, Governor C. C. Soludo of Anambra State revealed a new proposal aimed at safeguarding the welfare of workers within the state. In a meeting with the State Committee on the Implementation of Minimum Wage and leaders from organised labour, the governor approved a minimum take-home pay of₦70,000 for workers after deductions.
While this decision may seem beneficial on the surface, a deeper examination reveals that it falls significantly short of the expectations of the state’s civil servants, leaving many disillusioned and concerned about their future under Soludo’s leadership.
The governor outlined a gross salary range between₦78,000 and₦84,000 to achieve this minimum net pay, suggesting that the proposed deductions could reach an alarming₦14,000 to₦20,000 per month. This is particularly troubling given Nigeria’s current economic climate, characterised by soaring inflation, rising costs of living, and a challenging job market.
Many workers had anticipated a more substantial commitment to their welfare, especially from a leader who has repeatedly professed his love for Anambra’s workforce. Instead, what they received was a proposal that seems more like a political gesture than a genuine effort to uplift their living standards.
The final plan established by Soludo reflects his initial stance that his state would not pay the amount agreed between NLC and the federal government. The plan entails a new structure, twisted on the national minimum wage.
For civil servants in Anambra, the promise of ₦70,000 take-home pay after deductions is a bitter pill to swallow.
Many had hoped for a more robust support system that would genuinely reflect the economic realities they face daily. The reality is that the approved gross salary range fails to account for the increased financial burdens placed upon families, including rising prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and healthcare. In a state where many workers are already struggling to make ends meet, the proposed wages feel more like a slap in the face than a lifeline.
Moreover, the inclusion of a monthly non-taxable cash award of ₦10,000 for pensioners, while a positive gesture, does not fully address the needs of this vulnerable group.
Many pensioners have devoted their lives to serving the state, and a mere ₦10,000 in addition to their pensions feels like a token rather than a sincere effort to support those who have sacrificed so much for Anambra.
The lack of substantial increases in their pensions further exacerbates their plight, highlighting a disconnect between the government’s promises and the realities faced by its citizens.
Governor Soludo’s recent decisions not only disappoint but also seem to undermine the very efforts of the state civil service to secure better wages and working conditions for their members. The notion that workers should settle for a minimum take-home pay that barely covers living expenses raises questions about the governor’s priorities and commitment to the workforce.
By approving a salary structure that many view as inadequate, Soludo risks alienating the very individuals who are critical to the state’s progress and prosperity.
This disappointing development also raises concerns about the governor’s political future. As the 2025 gubernatorial elections approach, the mounting dissatisfaction among Anambra’s workforce could have significant repercussions for Soludo.
Workers, who once believed in his vision for the state, may find it difficult to support a leader who has not delivered on his promises. The sentiment among civil servants and their families is clear: the current administration has failed to meet their expectations, and come November 2025, the consequences of this disappointment may manifest at the ballot box.
Anambra deserves leadership that genuinely cares for its workers and understands the economic pressures they face. As Soludo’s promises continue to ring hollow, many are left wondering if Anambra will truly continue to win under his administration.
With the voices of discontent growing louder, it is clear that the time for meaningful action is now, before it is too late. The welfare of the workers of Anambra must be prioritised, not just in rhetoric but in substantial actions that reflect the true value of their hard work and dedication. The future of Anambra hangs in the balance, and the expectations of its citizens cannot be ignored any longer.
The political influence of the state NLC has not been devastating for previous governors that didn’t care about the stability of workers in the state, but this disappointment could spur the workforce to influence the coming election for a favourable candidate that would embrace the national new minimum wage.
