Kano okays N71,000 minimum wage from November

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Tuesday, approved a new minimum wage of N71,000 for civil servants in the state.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Yusuf said, “The decision is in line with my administration’s commitment to social justice and the improvement of living standards for our workers.

“In line with our commitment to social justice and enhancing the standard of living for our workers, we have approved the sum of N71,000 as the new minimum wage in Kano State.”

The governor noted that the new minimum wage, which will take effect in November, would increase the state’s monthly salary obligations by N6bn at the state level and N7bn for the local government councils.

He explained, “Additionally, following the promotion of 20,737 teachers by our government, a total increment amounting to over N340m has now been reflected in their respective salaries.”

The approval came as the management of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies described Yusuf as the most labour-friendly governor.

A statement on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, said the commendation was contained in a letter of appreciation sent to the governor, signed by Dr Raji Michael, on behalf of the Director General and Chief Executive of the institute.

Yusuf was deemed worthy of the recognition following his commitment to promoting calm industrial relations in the state.

The letter read, “I must indeed confirm that you are the most labour-friendly governor in the country, being the first governor in Nigeria to sponsor this type of capacity-building workshop for the labour leaders in the state in the year 2024.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of Hon. Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkiru Onyejeocha, the Institute writes to acknowledge with gratitude your commitment to workers’ education and for the sponsorship of union executives and members of Nigeria Labour Congress, Kano chapter to participate in the just-concluded special workshop on ‘Conflict Management for Harmonious Industrial Labour Relations Environment,’ from 11-13 September 2024.

“The Institute particularly appreciates your continuous effort geared towards building responsive and vibrant trade unions in Kano State necessary for promoting a peaceful industrial relations climate for the progress of the state.”

The training was regarded as one that provided valuable insights and practical conflict resolution strategies that would foster effective labour-management relations for workers’ productivity.

The Director General also commended the governor’s commitment towards the payment of N71,000 minimum wage to Kano workers.