By correspondent in Minna.
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has announced the implementation of a new minimum wage of N80,000, effective November 2024.
Governor Bago disclosed this after an extensive meeting between the state government and the leadership of the state Labour Union in Minna, the state capital.
Governor Bago, who emphasized his commitment to improving worker welfare, thanked civil servants for their understanding and support. He expressed confidence in the sustainability of the new wage, citing the state’s ongoing initiatives in agriculture.
“This N80,000 minimum wage is sustainable. With our strides in agriculture, we’re sure we can maintain it. We’re even creating civil service farms, allowing workers to be productive, and I believe we can work toward an even higher wage,” Bago stated.
“The new wage will apply to both state and local government employees. We have already paid this month’s salary, and the new wage will commence in November,” he added.
Niger State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman, Comrade Idrees Lafene, expressed his enthusiasm for the development, noting that the governor’s decision exceeded their expectations.
However, he acknowledged that while N80,000 is a positive step, it may still fall short of fully meeting the rising cost of living.
“It’s not quite enough to buy a bag of rice, but it’s progress,” Lafene remarked.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
