In a groundbreaking move, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has announced a new minimum wage of ₦80,000, set to take effect from November 2024. The decision came following an extensive negotiation between the state government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership. The governor assured that this adjustment is just the beginning of a commitment to continually review and improve the state workforce's remuneration.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Governor Bago expressed confidence in the sustainability of the new wage, citing the state's strides in agriculture as a key factor in supporting the increment. "This is very sustainable. With our advances in agriculture, I am confident we can afford it. We are creating a civil service farm so that civil servants can be productive. With that, I am certain we could eventually pay as much as ₦1 million as minimum wage," he declared. The new wage structure will apply across both state and local government civil servants.
NLC Chairman, Idrees Lafene, who was present at the announcement, expressed delight over the development. He noted that although the ₦80,000 minimum wage does not fully cover the current cost of living, it represents a significant improvement and places Niger State among the leading states implementing a higher wage. "It is not enough to buy a bag of rice, but at least it is a step forward," Lafene remarked.
Governor Bago's initiative is a bold statement in a time when many states struggle to meet existing salary obligations. With Niger State's innovative approach in leveraging agricultural productivity, the new minimum wage aims to enhance workers' welfare while boosting economic activities in the region.
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