In a recent meeting with labour leaders, civil society organisations, and traders in Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said his administration cannot implement the newly proposed national minimum wage of N70,000, News About Nigeria reports.
As the chair of the Northern Governors Forum, Yahaya revealed that the state’s limited financial allocation from the federal government makes this wage hike unfeasible.
According to him, Gombe State struggles to meet even the previous minimum wage of N30,000, despite an overall increase in federal allocations to states following the removal of petrol subsidies.
Governor Yahaya stated that additional challenges faced by the state, include unfulfilled promises of federal assistance.
He noted that Gombe had yet to receive the 20 trucks of rice promised by the federal government to mitigate the rising cost of living.
Additionally, the state received only N2 billion in palliative funds, a figure significantly lower than the N5 billion reportedly allocated to states.
Addressing the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, Yahaya attributed the fuel subsidy removal to decisions made during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which were announced by current President Bola Tinubu.
He explained that the lack of provision for petrol subsidies in the 2023 budget, combined with the National Assembly’s delay in inauguration, left the new administration with limited options.
Yahaya also cautioned Gombe residents against participating in planned nationwide protests, expressing concern that such demonstrations could lead to violence and destruction.
He urged citizens to consider the broader implications of these protests on the state’s stability and security.
The planned nationwide protest is set to hold on Thursday, August 1.
