Sani Dutsinma
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has pledged to implement any new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
The governor made the pledge at the Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
He said Kebbi State was the first in the country to implement the ₦75,000 minimum wage, describing the move as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the wellbeing of civil servants.
Governor Idris noted that the current ₦70,000 national minimum wage, which came into effect last year, was intended as a minimum wage rather than a living wage. He assured workers that once a new minimum wage is approved by the Federal Government, Kebbi State would implement it accordingly.
The governor also pledged to champion the issue at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum whenever discussions on a new minimum wage commence, stressing that the contributions of civil servants to national development deserve adequate recognition and fair compensation.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, said the union had begun consultations ahead of negotiations with the Federal and State Governments for an upward review of workers’ salaries nationwide.
Represented by the NLC Deputy President, Audu Titus Amba, Ajaero argued that any minimum wage below ₦500,000 would be inadequate to meet the needs of Nigerian workers in view of the prevailing economic challenges and rising cost of living.
He, however, emphasized that the NLC was not in confrontation with the executive arm of government but was advocating for improved workers’ welfare through constructive engagement. He expressed optimism that the demands of organised labour would receive favourable consideration.