Following the nationwide protest embarked upon by labour unions on Tuesday, governors of Jigawa, Kano, Niger and Oyo, expressed readiness to adopt the new minimum wage.
At least four states have expressed willingness to increase the minimum wage to 30,000 as demanded by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
Following the nationwide protest embarked upon by labour unions on Tuesday, governors of Jigawa, Kano, Niger and Oyo, expressed readiness to adopt the new minimum wage.
President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the new minimum wage after series of meetings with the leadership of the organised labour unions.
However, many state governors rejected the proposition saying they cannot pay N30, 000 minimum wage.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, however, restated his commitment to increasing the minimum wage to N30, 000 as approved by the president.
Nasiru Gawuna, the state’s deputy governor, while addressing NLC protesters said; “We are ready to pay N30,000 monthly salary because the welfare of our workers is paramount to anything and we will always give it preference. We will pay the N30,600 as soon as all processes are completed”.
Similarly, Oyo State deputy Governor, Moses Adeyemo, while standing in for his boss, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo State Governor, promised workers of compliance with the new minimum wage.
He acknowledged that the current N18,000 cannot cater for the civil servants' financial needs and assured workers that the state will deliver on the new wage.
Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State also expressed the preparedness of the state to adopt payment of the new wage in other to improve the life and standard of living of its civil servants.
He said, “The welfare of our workers is something we have to look into properly.
“I have no problem with the implementation of the payment of N30,000 minimum wage to our workers, as I believe this matter will soon be put to rest.”
Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa State Governor, also gave a positive nod to NLC’s demand.
He noted that he has factored the N30,000 minimum wage in his 2019 budget with funds already provided.
Husseini Kila, State’s Acting Head of Service said, Speaking on behalf of the governor said: “The state government is only waiting for the resolution of the National Assembly. After this, workers in Jigawa state will start enjoying the new minimum wage.”