Several North-East governors have committed to implementing the new national minimum wage, following an exclusive Trumpet report highlighting potential strikes across nine states over wage discrepancies.
Governors Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State have joined their counterparts in Adamawa and Borno States in pledging compliance, leaving only Yobe and Bauchi yet to finalize their positions on the policy.
Governor Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State has approved a minimum wage of N71,451.15 for civil servants and local government workers. The announcement came after successful negotiations between the government and organized labor, culminating in a formal signing ceremony led by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, chair of the state’s Negotiation Committee.
Dr. Jatau reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of public servants, stating; “This agreement demonstrates Governor Yahaya’s dedication to ensuring fair compensation for the hardworking civil service.”
Labor leaders, including Comrade Yusuf Aish Bello, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Gombe, praised the governor’s proactive stance and urged workers to redouble their commitment to duty.
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Similarly, Taraba State’s Governor Agbu Kefas has approved a minimum wage of N70,000 for public sector employees, with payments commencing in November.
The Head of Service, Paul Maigida Tino, confirmed the announcement, emphasizing the administration’s focus on uplifting civil servants; “This decision is aimed at spreading smiles on the faces of our hardworking public servants.”
The move is expected to boost employee morale and diminish the likelihood of industrial action in the state.
While Yobe and Bauchi States have yet to announce official approval for the new wage, insider reports suggest active discussions are underway to align with the national policy.
The renewed commitment to the minimum wage across the North-East highlights the growing urgency among state governments to address worker demands amid rising living costs. The Trumpet’s recent exposé, which underscored the risks of non-compliance, appears to have catalyzed this wave of policy changes.
As more states implement the new wage structure, civil servants in the region are hopeful that fairer compensation will avert the widespread strikes initially feared.
