Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has announced a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants, effective November 2024.
This decision follows extensive discussions with the leadership of the Labour Union in the state.
During a press conference, Governor Bago expressed his commitment to regularly adjusting the minimum wage to reflect the current economic conditions.
He reassured the public about the sustainability of the new wage, citing the state’s progress in agriculture as a financial backbone.
“This is a sustainable amount. We are confident that with our agricultural initiatives, we can manage it effectively,” Bago stated, adding plans to establish civil service farms to enhance productivity among employees.
The governor confirmed that the new minimum wage will be applicable to both state and local government workers, with implementation slated for next month. He inficated that October’s salaries have already been disbursed.
In reaction to the announcement, Idrees Lafene, chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, expressed his excitement, stating that the governor has exceeded their expectations. “I am delighted; Niger State is now among the top states to implement a minimum wage,” Lafene said.
However, he acknowledged that while the increase is a positive development, it does not fully address the high cost of living, noting that N80,000 is insufficient to cover basic necessities, such as a bag of rice.
This decision marks a significant advancement in the welfare of civil servants in Niger State, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of its workforce.