Minimum Wage Increases And Civil Servants' Welfare In Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: An Examination Of Lagos And Osun States Civil Service
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Date
2014-11-17
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Publisher
International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM)
Abstract
This study examines the impact of minimum wage increases on civil servants' welfare within the context of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, focusing on Lagos and Osun States. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the research analyses survey data from civil servants to assess the effectiveness of minimum wage policies in addressing welfare issues. A total number of 400 questionnaires were distributed while 347 were validly returned. Findings reveal that while minimum wage increments are intended to enhance workers' living standards, challenges such as budget limitations, inflation, and administrative capacity significantly hinder their effective implementation. In Osun State, economic constraints, including delayed salary payments, were identified as key barriers. Similarly, in Lagos, where internally generated revenue is comparatively higher, responses indicate that while wage implementation is smoother, rising living costs erode purchasing power gains. The study also highlights how limited administrative capacity and inadequate resource allocation exacerbate these challenges, undermining civil servants' access to essential needs like housing, healthcare, and education. The paper concluded that the minimum wage policy in Nigeria faces barriers like inflation, budget limits, and administrative issues, underscoring the need for reforms and adjustments. It was recommended that the government should conduct a regular assessment of the economic and social impact of minimum wage adjustments following each five-year review. Data-driven insights into the effectiveness of wage policies that would guide future adjustments.