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

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The Niger State government has officially approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for civil servants, which will take effect in November 2024.

Governor Umaru Bago made the announcement after extensive negotiations with the leadership of the state’s labour unions, marking a crucial advancement in enhancing the welfare of workers.

In his address, Governor Bago assured employees that the government’s ongoing commitment to agricultural development would play a vital role in sustaining the new wage structure.

The government intends to leverage agriculture as a key revenue source, ensuring that the wage increase is both feasible and advantageous for the state’s economy.

READ ALSO: Enugu Gov Mbah approves N80,000 minimum wage for workers

This decision has been met with enthusiasm among workers, seen as a significant step toward improving their livelihoods and fostering economic stability for civil servants in Niger State.

“This is very sustainable. ₦80,000 is sustainable,” Bago emphasized. “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 ₦1 million.”

The new wage increase will apply to both state and local government civil servants. Governor Bago also confirmed that the October salaries have already been disbursed, meaning the increased wages will officially begin in November.

Expressing his approval, Idris Lafene, the Niger State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), praised the decision.

“I am delighted. Niger State is now among the leading states in implementing an improved minimum wage,” Lafene said, adding that the ₦80,000 increase exceeded the union’s expectations.

While the new wage is a positive development, Lafene acknowledged that it is still not sufficient to cover current living costs. “₦80,000 is not enough to buy a bag of rice in the market, but it is a step forward,” he stated.

 

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