Uncertainty Surrounds Jigawa’s N70,000 Minimum Wage Implementation

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Anxiety is rising among Jigawa State civil servants as uncertainty looms over the implementation date of the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi had announced the wage increase in a brief media address just days before departing for a two-week overseas vacation, leaving questions unanswered about when the new wage will take effect.

Despite the governor’s announcement, the lack of a specified implementation timeline has left many workers wondering if they will receive arrears once the payment begins.
The National Update gathered that Governor Namadi’s brief address was silent on these details, sparking concerns across the workforce.

Some state employees have expressed both appreciation and apprehension regarding the governor’s move.
A civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture, who requested anonymity, praised the governor’s decision, noting, “We are happy with the governor’s approval of the N70,000 minimum wage, especially during these times of economic hardship and inflation.”

A primary school teacher also voiced gratitude but questioned the delay, saying, “It’s great that the minimum wage has been approved, but when will it actually start? This feels like half-information.
“The president approved the federal minimum wage months ago, yet federal employees haven’t received it. Is this just another promise?”

Attempts to clarify the timeline from the Jigawa State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammed Dagiteri, were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly out of the state on official duty. However, a source within the office, who requested anonymity, mentioned that the Accountant General’s office is responsible for salary preparation and payments, as instructed by Governor Namadi.

When contacted, the state’s Accountant General, Alhaji Abdullahi SG Shehu, explained that his office awaits directives: “I am not in a position to say when the new salary will commence. My responsibility is to execute payments once I receive the order.”

Additionally, Comrade Sunusi Alhassan, the chairman of the Jigawa branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), confirmed that no formal agreement had been signed regarding the wage increase. He stated, “As of now, we have not signed any agreement.”

The absence of clear information has left Jigawa State workers in limbo, awaiting further guidance on when the promised minimum wage increase will reach their pockets.