The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized several state governors for their failure to pay the national minimum wage, describing the situation as both unjustifiable and a violation of the rights of Nigerian workers, especially amid the prevailing economic hardship in the country. In a bold statement released after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the association called out state governments that continue to default on the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage, which was signed into law in 2019.
With inflation at record highs, the cost of living soaring, and many Nigerians struggling to meet basic needs, the NBA stated that it is “deeply disheartening” that some governors are still unable—or unwilling—to pay workers what they are legally entitled to. The association noted that the current economic realities should have prompted even more empathy from leaders at all levels, rather than neglect and insensitivity.
NBA Speaks Out: “It Is Inhumane”
The NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in his address, said the refusal or failure of some governors to fully implement the minimum wage was not only illegal but morally reprehensible.
“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with severe economic challenges, the continued non-payment of minimum wage by some state governments is not just unlawful, it is inhumane. Workers are the engine of government service delivery. To deny them their legitimate earnings is to undermine their dignity and the essence of governance,” Maikyau stated.
He further warned that any government that fails to pay the minimum wage is operating outside the bounds of legality and could face serious legal consequences. The NBA, he said, would not hesitate to support litigation efforts against non-compliant state governments.
Economic Hardship and the Burden on Workers
The association emphasized the severity of the current economic crisis in Nigeria, citing rising fuel prices, food inflation, and the general cost of living. These factors have left many Nigerian workers in a desperate state, making the issue of fair wages even more pressing.
“The average Nigerian worker is battling with skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, housing costs, transportation fares, and school fees. In this climate, how can we justify paying civil servants less than the legally mandated wage?” Maikyau asked.
He stressed that the hardship experienced by workers is not abstract, but a daily reality, noting that many public servants now engage in side jobs or small-scale trading just to survive. Others, he said, have been forced into debt simply to put food on the table.
Legal Obligation and Accountability
The NBA reminded state governors that the N30,000 minimum wage is not a suggestion or subject to negotiation—it is a law enacted by the National Assembly and binding on all employers, including government institutions. Any state that fails to implement this law is in direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the National Minimum Wage Act.
The association also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in how state funds are being managed, particularly with the disbursement of federal allocations and intervention funds. “It is unacceptable that states receiving monthly allocations, special grants, and palliatives from the federal government still claim inability to pay workers their lawful wages,” the NBA said in its statement.
The association demanded full accountability from governors who have failed to meet their wage obligations and called on civil society and media to join in demanding transparency in the disbursement and usage of public funds.
Call for Urgent Action
The NBA urged the federal government, through the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, to begin immediate investigations into all states that have failed to comply with the minimum wage law. It also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other relevant unions to intensify pressure on defaulting states through legal action and peaceful protests where necessary.
“We will no longer accept excuses or delays. State governments have had ample time and resources to comply. The NBA is prepared to offer pro bono legal support to any worker or group of workers seeking redress against non-payment of the minimum wage,” Maikyau added.
Public Reactions and Widespread Support
The NBA’s strong stance has received widespread commendation from citizens, workers, and labour unions across the country. Many Nigerians took to social media to applaud the association for speaking out boldly on the issue and for holding state governments accountable.
A civil servant in Kogi State, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed relief at the NBA’s intervention. “We’ve been waiting for someone to stand up for us. Salaries are being owed, and even when they are paid, it’s not up to the minimum wage. The suffering is too much,” he said.
Meanwhile, several state chapters of the NLC have expressed readiness to collaborate with the NBA in pursuing legal and civil actions to ensure full compliance with the wage law.
Looking Ahead
The NBA’s intervention signals a renewed call for justice and fairness in Nigeria’s labour environment. As economic conditions continue to worsen for millions of Nigerians, the association insists that the dignity of labour must be restored and respected by those in positions of power.
“The law is clear. If you cannot pay workers their legal entitlements, then you have no business holding public office. It is time we begin to treat governance as a sacred trust, not a personal empire,” the NBA concluded.
With this renewed push from the legal community, the spotlight is once again on Nigeria’s state governors, many of whom must now justify their failure to meet one of the most basic obligations to the people they serve. Whether they respond with action or continue to ignore the calls remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Nigerian worker is no longer alone in the fight for a fair wage.
