2 months ago
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The Niger State Government says it has not concluded plans to begin the payment of the new national minimum wage of N70,000 to workers.
This is coming amidst the current economic hardship biting hard and prices of goods in the market skyrocketing.
The government, though reaffirming its commitment to implement the new wage, said, “Once the necessary template is finalised and sufficient funds are available, it will begin payment.”
Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, said this while speaking at the elective congress of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Niger State chapter, reports Africa Independent Television on Thursday.
Garba added that the issue of the minimum wage is already settled in principle.
“The Niger government has emphasised its strong support for organised labour, prioritising workers’ welfare and urging unions to adopt a more collaborative approach with the administration to ensure the state’s progress.
“The current administration has made notable efforts to build trust among workers,” he added.
Garba further highlighted that the government has prioritised the health sector by establishing two dedicated ministries, each led by professionals, to oversee healthcare services.
Additionally, the government has addressed salary backlogs inherited from the previous administration, effectively reducing labour grievances.
In July, President Bola Tinubu approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for Nigerian workers and pledged to review the national minimum wage law every three years.
Almost two weeks later, Tinubu, on July 29, signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law.
Meanwhile, some states have openly confirmed their readiness to pay, while many others have yet to take a clear position on their readiness to pay, the new minimum wage.
