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By Iheanyi Chukwudi
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants in the state.
The Governor who said the new wage will take effect from November, 2024, also promised that he will continue to upgrade the minimum wage for the state workforce in line with the prevailing economic situation in the country.
Bago announced the N80,000 minimum wage after a marathon meeting between the state government and the leadership of the Labour Union in the state.
On the sustainability of the new minimum wage, Bago assured newsmen that the state government has the resources to sustain it, giving the government's stride in agriculture.
He said, "This is very sustainable. N80,000 is sustainable. We are sure that with our stride in agriculture I am sure we can pay.
We are creating civil service farm so that civil servants can be productive. With that we are sure that we can do both N1 million as minimum wage."
Governor Bago explained that the new minimum wage would cut across the state and local government civil servants in the state saying, "We have already paid this month's salary and so it will start in November."
Reacting to the announcement by the Governor, the chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Niger State, Idrees Lafene expressed excitement over the development stressing that the governor exceeded their expectations.
He said, "I feel delighted and at least, Niger State is among the top ranking states to implement minimum wage."
While admitting that the new minimum wage was not commensurate with the high cost of living, Lafene noted that N80,000 cannot buy a bag of rice now.
He said, "It is not commensurate with a bag of rice but at least, it is a step forward."
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