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Tag: minimum wage

  • Kaduna Gov. approves N72,000 new minimum wage for workers

    Kaduna Gov. approves N72,000 new minimum wage for workers

    Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has approved a minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants in the State from November 2024. 

    This move, according to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, underscores the administration’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare and supporting the less privileged.

    In a statement, Musa noted that the decision aligns with Governor Sani’s lifelong commitment to worker rights and social welfare.

     “This new wage increase is part of the governor’s efforts to uplift the lives of civil servants and improve living standards for vulnerable and underserved communities in Kaduna State,” he said.

    As part of the initiative, the Kaduna State Government will also launch a free transportation scheme for civil servants. 

    Read Also: Kaduna to offer free screening on non-communicable diseases

    According to the statement, 100 CNG-powered buses will soon be deployed to provide free daily transport for government workers, easing their financial burden and boosting productivity.

    The free transportation scheme will be managed by a Joint Management Committee, comprising representatives from Organised Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) with State Government officials.

    Sani reaffirmed his commitment to introducing policies aimed at uplifting the people of Kaduna, promising “Kaduna State Government will continue to implement measures that bring relief to our citizens. With the support of our people, we are determined to make Kaduna a model for social welfare interventions.”

  • Minimum wage: Soludo, labour leaders’ meeting ends in deadlock

    Minimum wage: Soludo, labour leaders’ meeting ends in deadlock

    The meeting between Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and leaders of organised labour in the state over a new minimum wage for the state’s workers ended in a deadlock on Tuesday.

    The deliberations dragged into yesterday.

    The governor allegedly failed to fulfill his promise of paying the N70,000 minimum wage the Federal Government declared early this year after negotiations with labour leaders.

    The Nation gathered that during the Tuesday’s meeting, the governor reportedly said a Level Nine worker would receive less than the N70,000.

    The development angered the labour leaders who nearly staged a walkout on the governor.

    Despite the fact that some other states, like Rivers, Lagos, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Delta, are paying beyond Federal Government’s N70,000, Anambra has reportedly pegged its minimum wage on the same amount.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s 28 Chiefs of Army Staff since 1966

    The governor was said to have promised to begin the payment of the new minimum wage this month.

    But The Nation gathered that Soludo might be heading towards a showdown with the workers over his inability to fulfil his promise.

    Some labour leaders told our correspondent last yesterday before the continuation of the meeting that they were not happy with the governor’s “body language”.

    A labour leader, who spoke in confidence, said: “When we met with him last week, he made us happy by saying that nobody would go home with less than N70,000. We applauded him and the workers were happy. But today, he’s sounding a different tone that is not part of what we discussed earlier.

    “He cannot play on our intelligence. We represent the workers. How can people who have attained Levels Eight to 10 take home less than the Federal Government’s N70,000? Is Anambra different from other states?”

    The labour leader urged the work force not to panic as further negotiations continued.

    “We will address our people after the series of our meetings with the governor,” he added.

    Reply, Reply All or Forward

  • Kano agrees to pay N71,000 minimum wage

    Kano agrees to pay N71,000 minimum wage

    Kano State Government on Tuesday approved N71, 000 minimum wage for civil servants.

    Governor Abba Yusuf stated that the new minimum wage will be effective in November. 

    A statement by the spokesman of the Governor, Sunusi Bature, said Yusuf spoke while receiving the Public Service Negotiation Committee Report headed by the State Head of Civil Service at his office on Tuesday.

    “I will like to emphasise that Kano state has one of the largest workforces in Nigeria, reflective of our population and specific local needs, together with our financial constraints, including the low Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) we inherited, we have decided to  implement the new national minimum wage of N71,000.00,” the Governor said.

    Yusuf noted that implementation of minimum wage will increase the state’s monthly salary obligations  by over N6 billion, adding that additional N7 billion is needed for the 44 local government councils.

    He emphasised that the approval followed a courageous decision by the administration, which according to him, exemplifies commitment to social justice, economic growth and enhanced living standards for the state workers and citizens.

    He disclosed that his government inherited an average monthly IGR of only N2 billion, lamenting that “by comparison, states like Lagos generate an average of N54.3bn, Rivers N14.5 bn , Ogun N10.1bn and Delta N7.1 bn.

    “This disparity highlights the urgent need for us to reform our domestic revenue generation strategies to meet our obligations to the people of Kano,” the governor emphasised.

    He charged the beneficiaries “to enhance service delivery,  continuously seek innovative solutions to improve public

    Read Also: Kano swears in council Chairmen, Councillors

    services and streamline processes, foster collaboration,  appealing to them to work seamlessly together to ensure  transparency and accountability.

    “Our administration is deeply committed to prioritizing the welfare of our civil servants, who tirelessly provide efficient, effective, and quality services to our people despite limited financial resources,” he noted.

    The Governor lamented that following the 2023 elections, the previous administration undertook a large-scale hiring initiative whereby 13,000 individuals employed to the civil service without due diligence.

    Despite that, Governor Yusuf said: “the present administration in recognizing the importance of essential human resources in serving our citizens, we formed a committee to review these  hires and ultimately retained over 12,000 of them in the state civil service.”

    Governor Yusuf urged civil servants to intensify their dedication to efficiency, productivity and effectiveness, stressing that “let’s harness our collective strength to drive transformative change to achieve this greatness in the service.”

  • 20 states begin payment of minimum wage to workers

    20 states begin payment of minimum wage to workers

    • 16 states, FCT yet to finalise plans

    • TUC: any state not ready to pay is insensitive

    Not less than 20 states have either started paying the new minimum wage or will commence payment from this week, The Nation has gathered.

    After negotiations by the government, the Organised Private Sector and the Labour Centres, the minimum wage was raised from N30,000 to N70,000.

    The negotiations, spanning many weeks, produced an agreement on July 18.

    The Bill giving effect to the agreement passed by the National Assembly was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on July 29.

    A committee on consequential adjustment constituted by the Federal Government submitted its report last month, providing guidelines for employers of labour.

    The committee was chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) Mrs Esther Walson-Jack.

    The Federal Government has commenced payment.

    Following negotiations at the sub-national level with labour leaders, states started announcing the new minimum wage.

    Many states are paying higher than the Federal Government.

    The highest so far – N85,000 – is being paid by Lagos and Rivers states.

    Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu and Akwa Ibom states are following closely with N80,000.

    The surge in the Federation Account allocation to states after the withdrawal of petrol subsidy put them in better financial shape.

    Read Also; EFCC: To be or not to be?

    Since June last year, federal, state and local governments have received an average of N1.1tr monthly from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    What the states have agreed to pay or already paying are as follows: Abia N70,000, Adamawa N70,000, Anambra N70,000, Jigawa N70,000, Borno N70,000, Ebonyi N75,000, Edo N70,000, Delta N77,000, Gombe N71,000, Ogun N77,000, Kebbi N75,000, Ondo N73,000, Kogi N72,000 and Kwara N70,000.

    Deputy Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Mr. Tommy Okon said any governor that was yet to agree on the new minimum wage by now is “insensitive to the plight of workers”.

    Okon said with increased revenue, governors have no excuse not to pay the new minimum wage.

    Bayelsa

    Spokesperson of Bayelsa State Governor Daniel Alabrah said Governor Duoye Diri, aside from approving N80,000 new minimum wage, has consented to better pay for pensioners with effect from November 1.

    He added in a statement that Diri okayed the release of N7 billion to reduce outstanding gratuity liabilities.

    Ebonyi 

    During a Holy Mass in the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki yesterday, Governor Francis Nwifuru told the worshippers that his administration would pay N75,000.

    Nwifuru, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor,  said the decision followed a careful review of the current economic situation, especially as it affects the workforce.

    According to the governor, those in grade levels 3 and above will get an increment of N40,000 monthly.

    Abia

    Abia State  Information Commissioner Okey Kanu said after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting that the implementation of N70,000 minimum wage would begin this month.

    Kanu explained that the implementation underscores the Alex Oti-led  government’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers

    “The state government is committed to the minimum wage, and within the next few days, payment of the new minimum wage will commence.

    “If the governor wants to deviate from the national standard and pay higher, so be it,” the commissioner said.

    Enugu

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced the N80,000 minimum wage when he received the report of the committee set up to look into the issue.

    The governor added that the move is hinged on his administration’s belief that labour is a creator of wealth and if well taken care of, will grow wealth.

    Anambra

    Anambra state is sticking to paying the workers N70,000 naira as minimum wage.

    But Governor Chukwuma Soludo said if he allows deductions like Union dues, tax and other things, the workers might be receiving between 78,000 to 84,000 every month

    However, he said he decided not to announce the figure because it would still come down to the same 70,000 

    He assured that the least paid worker in Anambra State is to go home with nothing less than N70,000.

    Soludo met with the labour leaders in the state at the governor’s lodge at Amawbia at the weekend.

    He said: “We approved the proposal by organised labour to ensure that the minimum take-home for a worker (after all deductions, including tax and Union dues) is at least N70,000 per month (the gross salary could range from N78,000 to N84,000).”

    Osun

    In Osun State, the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee chaired by the Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Kazeem Akinleye, slated another meeting for tomorrow with labour leaders to deliberate on consequential adjustments ahead of the approval.

    Benue

    Benue State is yet to finalise discussions with Labour on the minimum wage.

    It was learnt that the committee will submit its report this week on a suitable figure.

  • Diri approves N80,000 minimum wage for Bayelsa workers

    Diri approves N80,000 minimum wage for Bayelsa workers

    Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has approved N80,000 as new minimum wage for workers in the civil service with effect from November 1, 2024.

    Diri also approved an increase in the monthly pension of retired workers as well as N7billion to reduce outstanding gratuity liabilities.

    His spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, who disclosed these in a statement, said the Bayelsa Governor acknowledged the challenging times workers face in the state due to the rise in the cost of living.

    The statement reads: “To address the harsh times and in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment Act 2024), the Prosperity Administration of His Excellency Senater Douye Diri has approved the sum of N80,000 as minimum wage for the state’s workers 

    Read Also: Troost-Ekong rejoices as CAF rules in favour of Nigeria

    “Governor Diri also approved an increase in the monthly pension of state retirees.

    “The related consequential adjustments for the various sectors, as agreed with the leadership of Labour in the state, will be implemented.

    “To further ameliorate the challenges of our retired senior citizens, His Excellency also approved the payment and reduction of the outstanding gratuity liabilities by N7bn.”

    Diri appreciated the workers and their leadership for their understanding, patience and commitment to the policies and programmes of the Prosperity Government.

  • Jigawa: Gov. Namadi approves payment of N70,000 minimum wage

    Jigawa: Gov. Namadi approves payment of N70,000 minimum wage

    Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has approved the payment of the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage to workers in the state.

    Mr Sagir Musa, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, disclosed this to newsmen in Dutse on Saturday.

    He said that Namadi made the pronouncement on Friday after receiving report from the state’s Minimum Wage Committee led by Muhammad Dagacire, the Head of Service.

    “I’m delighted to shed more light on the announcement made by Gov Umar Namadi earlier yesterday where he expressed the commitment of the state government to implement the new minimum wage recommended by the Federal Government.

    “The Jigawa State Government has earlier set up a committee and the committee has deliberated and came up with advice to the state government where it found necessary to go like any other state to implement the new minimum wage.

    “That was the exact announcement made by the governor yesterday. So we are looking forward to see how the state government will make adequate preparations for the successful implementation of the new minimum wage like other states,” Musa said.

    On the expected date for payment of the new minimum wage, the commissioner said: “The Jigawa workers will soon have the verdict from the committee’s conclusion because this is something that’s new and something that requires adequate preparations and the government has to do a lot in order to ensure successful implementation.

    “I cannot give you a precise date, but I’m sure that government will soon announce as it works assiduously to implement it,”.

    He however, called on workers in the state to reciprocate the gesture by dedicating themselves to duty as to whom much is given much is expected.

    (NAN)

  • FULL LIST: 11 Governors ready to pay above N70,000 minimum wage

    FULL LIST: 11 Governors ready to pay above N70,000 minimum wage

    Niger Governor Mohammed Bago on Friday approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the State.

    The minimum wage, however, would take effect from November, 2024.

    Disclosing this to newsmen after an extensive meeting between the State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), the Governor said that the State would be able to sustain N80,000 minimum wage for its workers.

    “This minimum wage is one that is very sustainable.  N80,000 is sustainable. We are sure that with our strides in agriculture, I am sure we can pay. We are creating civil service farm so that civil servants can be productive,” Bago said.

    Here are Governors ready to pay above N70,000 minimum wage:

    1. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) –  N85,000

    On October 16, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced a new minimum wage of N85,000 for Lagos State workers, N15,000 above the federal minimum. He cited the high cost of living in Lagos as a factor and expressed a goal to raise the minimum to N100,000 by January 2025.

    2. Governor, Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State) – N85,000

    On October 18, 2024, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, approved the payment of N85,000.00 as the new minimum wage for civil servants employed by the State Government.

    3.  Peter Mbah (Enugu state) – N80,000

    Enugu Governor Peter Mbah has approved N80,000 as the minimum wage for workers with immediate effect.

    Mbah announced this at the Government House after receiving the report of the committee set up to look into the minimum wage issues.

    “Today, I’m happy to announce a new minimum wage for workers in Enugu state, reflecting our fidelity to their welfare in regard of which we’ve been resolutely committed.

    “We’ve approved the sum of 80,000 Naira to take immediate effect as the new minimum wage in Enugu State,” he said.

    4. Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) – N80,000

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Wednesday announced a new minimum wage package of N80,000 for public civil servants in the state.

    Eno also constituted an Implementation committee with a mandate to deliver its report within one month.

    A statement signed by the commissioner of Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong on Wednesday, said the committee is chaired by the Head of the Civil Service, Effiong Essien.

    Ememobong said, “Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced that the State Government will pay a new minimum wage of N80,000 for all state government employees.”

    5. Governor Mohammed Bago (Niger state) – N80,000

    Niger Governor Mohammed Bago has approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the State.

    The minimum wage, however, would take effect from November, 2024.

    Disclosing this to newsmen after an extensive meeting between the State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), the Governor said that the State would be able to sustain N80,000 minimum wage for its workers.

    6. Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta state) –  N77,500

    The Delta state government officially announced that it would start paying a minimum wage of N77,500 to its workers from the end of this month.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, announced this at a meeting of the committee of the new minimum wage with the leadership of the state’s organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).

    7. Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State) – N77,000

    Governor Dapo Abiodun approved a minimum wage of N77,000 on October 15, 2024, according to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.

    8. Governor Nasir Idris (Kebbi State) – N75,000

    Governor Nasir Idris on Wednesday, October 23 approved 75,000 naira as a new minimum wage for the state civil servants.

    Confirming the development, the chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in the state, Murtala Usman, stated this while speaking with correspondents.

    9. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State) –  N73,000

    On October 12, 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced a minimum wage increase to N73,000 for state workers during his campaign kickoff ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

    10. Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State) – N72,500

    Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, approved N72,500 minimum wage for civil servants in the state with immediate effect. The governor also suspended the tax burden on the approved sum for one year.

    11. Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe State) – ₦71,500

    Gombe State governor, Muhammad Yahaya signed an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress to pay ₦71,500 as the new minimum wage on October 15, 2024.
    —

  • Four Northern Governors paying above N70,000 minimum wage

    Four Northern Governors paying above N70,000 minimum wage

    Niger Governor Mohammed Bago on Friday approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the State.

    The minimum wage, however, would take effect from November, 2024.

    Disclosing this to newsmen after an extensive meeting between the State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), the Governor said that the State would be able to sustain N80,000 minimum wage for its workers.

    “This minimum wage is one that is very sustainable.  N80,000 is sustainable. We are sure that with our strides in agriculture, I am sure we can pay. We are creating civil service farm so that civil servants can be productive,” Bago said.

    Earlier, Lagos and Delta, Rivers, Ogun, Ondo, Gombe and Kogi, Enugu and Kebbi States promised to pay above the N70,000 minimum wage bill signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

    While a number of Governors have pledged to meet the N70,000 minimum wage, others have gone further, committing to pay amounts higher than the federal mandate.

    Here are four Northern governors paying above N70,000 minimum wage:

    1. Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe State) – ₦71,500

    Governor, Muhammad Yahaya signed an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress to pay ₦71,500 as the new minimum wage on October 15, 2024.

    2. Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State) – N72,500

    Governor, Usman Ododo approved N72,500 minimum wage for civil servants in the state with immediate effect. The Governor also suspended the tax burden on the approved sum for one year.

    3. Governor Nasir Idris (Kebbi State) – N75,000

    Governor Nasir Idris on Wednesday, October 23 approved 75,000 naira as a new minimum wage for the state civil servants.

    Read Also: Northern Governors vow to tackle insecurity

    Confirming the development, the chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in the state, Murtala Usman, stated this while speaking with our correspondents.

    4. Governor Mohammed Bago (Niger state) – N80,000

    Niger Governor Mohammed Bago has approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the State.

    The minimum wage, however, would take effect from November, 2024.

    Disclosing this to newsmen after an extensive meeting between the State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), the Governor said that the State would be able to sustain N80,000 minimum wage for its workers.

    “This minimum wage is one that is very sustainable.  N80,000 is sustainable. We are sure that with our strides in agriculture, I am sure we can pay. We are creating civil service farm so that civil servants can be productive,” Bago said.

  • Gov. Bago announces N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants

    Gov. Bago announces N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants

    Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has announced N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants effective from November.

    Bago disclosed this shortly after meeting with the organised labour in the state at the Government House, Minna on Friday.

    He said the payment would be for both the state and the local government workers effective from November.

    Bago said the committee on the minimum wage would work on the consequential adjustments.

    He said that the N80,000 was sustainable, especially with the state’s strides in agriculture.

    The governor advised civil servants to embrace agriculture, adding that civil service farms would be created to make them productive.

    Read Also: Bago salutes Gowon at 90

    Mr Idrees Lafene, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), commended the governor for approving N80,000 as minimum wage.

    He said such move was a step forward, adding that the union look forward to an improved offer.

    He, however, appreciated the governor for going beyond the union’s expectation, saying that the union had tabled between N70,000, N75,000 and N80,000 as minimum wage for the state.

    (NAN)

  • Niger approves N80,000 as minimum wage

    Niger approves N80,000 as minimum wage

    Niger Governor Mohammed Bago has approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the State.

    The minimum wage, however, would take effect from November, 2024.

    Disclosing this to newsmen after an extensive meeting between the State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), the Governor said that the State would be able to sustain N80,000 minimum wage for its workers.

    Read Also: Mbah okays N80,000 minimum wage for Enugu workers

    “This minimum wage is one that is very sustainable.  N80,000 is sustainable. We are sure that with our strides in agriculture, I am sure we can pay. We are creating civil service farm so that civil servants can be productive,” Bago said.

    The Governor said the new minimum wage would cut across the state and local government civil servant noting that “We have already paid this month’s salary and so it will start in November.”

    The Niger Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman, Comrade Idrees Lafene, said the Governor exceeded the expectations of the Labour Union.

    “I feel delighted and at least, Niger State is among the top ranking states to implement minimum wage,” Lafene said.