By FIVE years after the Federal Government of Nigeria pegged its minimum wage for workers at N30,000, the government of Zamfara State says it will commence the payment in June, 2024.
The Governor of the state, Dauda Lawal, made the announcement during a meeting with the state’s Labour union leaders on Wednesday.
Governor Lawal, represented by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the decision to implement the old minimum wage demonstrated the government’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of workers in Zamfara State.
He assured the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) chapters in Zamfara that the move is aimed at motivating the state’s workforce.
“In my capacity as the Governor of Zamfara State, I am pleased to announce to the leaders of the state’s Labour unions that my administration will kick-start the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage next month, June,” Governor Lawal stated.
He highlighted the various civil service reforms already implemented by his administration to improve workers’ conditions, including the settlement of three months’ salary arrears, payment of leave grants, and other bonuses.
Governor Lawal further disclosed that his government has disbursed a total sum of N4,337,087,490 billion in four installments to retirees from the state and local governments, who had not received their entitlements since 2011.
He reassured employees that his administration is committed to ensuring the efficiency of the civil service and timely payment of retirement benefits without any delays.
The Governor said, “today, I want to announce to the Zamfara State Labour union leaders that my government will commence payment of N30,000 minimum wage next month, June. “
“Since assuming office as the Governor of Zamfara State, my administration has implemented numerous civil service reforms to ensure workers’ welfare.
“We have achieved the payment of withheld three months salaries of workers, payment of leave grants and other bonuses. “
“My government has paid a total of N4,337,087,490 billion in four batches to state and local government retirees, which had not been paid since 2011.
“We have further plans to improve the efficiency of the civil service in Zamfara.
“No employee should be concerned about retirement as we will ensure timely payment of retirement benefits without any delays. We are committed to our rescue mission.”
Stonix News reports that the organised labour is currently rooting for a minimum wage of N500,000 for its workers with the Federal Government while recently, the government of Edo State began a minimum wage of N70,000 for its workers.
Recall that the minimum wage in Nigeria has been steady at NGN 30,000 since 18 April 2019.
In 2023, the Government of Nigeria announced an additional NGN 35,000 wage award (wage subsidy) for six months, starting from 1 September 2023 to cushion the ravaging effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
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