On Friday, the Niger State government approved the sum of N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the state, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the state governor, Umaru Bago, who made the announcement, the payment of the new minimum wage would commence in November 2024
The governor approved the new minimum wage following a lengthy negotiation between the state government and the leadership of the state’s labour union.
He assured the state workers that the new minimum wage would be sustained as the state’s investment in agricultural development would support it.
Bago further expressed confidence that the government could increase the minimum wage further in the future through agricultural productivity.
He said, “This is very sustainable. N80,000 is sustainable. With our agricultural strides, we are sure we can pay. We are creating a civil service farm to encourage productivity among civil servants. With this initiative, we could even consider a minimum wage of N1 million.”
The governor further noted that the new wage increase will apply to both state and local government civil servants.
Explaining why the new wage would begin in November, the governor explained that October salaries have already been disbursed, meaning the increased wages will officially begin in November.
He called on all civil servants in the state to partner with his administration for the growth of Niger.
On his part, the Niger State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) lauded the governor for the approval of the new minimum wage.
He said, “I am delighted. Niger State is now among the leading states in implementing an improved minimum wage.”
