With the current economic hardship biting hard and prices of goods in the market skyrocketing, the Niger State government says it has not concluded plans to begin the payment of the new national minimum wage of 70 thousand naira to workers.
The government, though reaffirming its commitment to implement the new wage, said once the necessary template is finalized and sufficient funds are available, it will begin payment.
Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, who said this while speaking at the elective congress of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Niger State chapter, added that the issue of the minimum wage is already settled in principle.
He emphasized that the current administration has shown strong support for organized labour and has made workers’ welfare a priority, encouraging unions to adopt a more collaborative stance with the government to ensure the state’s progress, highlighting the administration’s efforts to build trust among workers.
Garba further pointed out that the government has prioritized the health sector, establishing two dedicated ministries to oversee healthcare services, each led by professionals as well as clearing salary backlogs inherited from the previous government, thereby reducing labour grievances.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma
