GOVERNOR NASIR IDRIS LEADS IN IMPLEMENTING NEW NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE, APPROVES N75,000 AND ORDERS IMMEDIATE PAYMENT

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, makes history by leading the nation in the implementation of the new minimum wage, with a strong directive for the immediate payment to workers within 72 hours.

In a decisive move that sets Kebbi State apart as a leader among Nigeria’s 36 states, Gov. Nasir Idris has fulfilled his promise to implement the new national minimum wage.

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Gov. Idris signed into law the N75,000 minimum wage for the civil servants, making Kebbi the first state to take concrete action in this regard.
While other states have only made proclamations, Kebbi stands out by translating words into action.

During the signing ceremony at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Gov. Idris directed the Commissioner of Finance and the Accountant General to ensure that all state and local government workers receive their updated wages within 72 hours. He ordered that October salaries reflect the new wage, marking a major step toward improving the welfare of the state’s workforce.

The Governor emphasized that the wage increase fulfilled
a core promise of his election campaign and demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the labour movement.
He stated, “I will never disappoint the NLC, the workers, and the people of Kebbi State.”

Nasir Idris’ administration has been widely praised for its worker-friendly policies, a fact underscored by the presence of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership during the signing. NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, commended the Governor for his swift action, which sets a benchmark for other states still in the early stages of their minimum wage discussions.

“Kebbi has become a state of positive developments since Kaura assumed power,” Ajaero remarked, applauding the Governor’s achievements, including significant infrastructural development, maintaining a debt-free administration, and regularly paying gratuities, pensions, and other workers’ benefits.

Kebbi’s new minimum wage surpasses the N70,000 threshold still under deliberation in many states, positioning the state as a trailblazer in labour welfare.

Governor Idris reaffirmed his deep connection to the labour movement, stating, “My roots are in the labour movement, and I remain committed to working alongside the NLC to ensure the continued progress of Kebbi State.”

The rapid implementation of the wage increase followed months of preparation by the Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida. Governor Idris’ approval of the highest wage proposal submitted (N75,000) highlights his commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare and enhancing productivity across all sectors.

Amid rumors of wage delays, Gov. Idris reassured the public that his administration remains focused on the state’s progress, undistracted by negative campaigns. He reiterated his commitment to working hand-in-hand with the NLC for sustainable growth in Kebbi State.

As the first state to implement the N75,000 wage, Kebbi sets a new standard for labour welfare and governance that delivers on promises. Gov. Idris continues to earn the trust and support of workers and citizens alike as the state advances under his leadership.

In line with the Governor’s directive, the state’s Accountant General, Alhaji Bello Nahaliku, assured that the new wage structure would be sustained throughout Idris’ administration. He also urged the state’s workers to respond by enhancing productivity in their workplaces.

The remarkable achievements of Kauran Gwandu during his first year in office leave no doubt about his capacity to drive the state’s progress. Kebbi has witnessed transformative infrastructural development, particularly in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi. This includes the construction of the state-of-the-art Ultra-Modern Secretariat Complex at Gwadangwaji, the new Motor Park, as well as advancements in the health, education, and agricultural sectors. Empowerment programs for women and youths have also flourished under his leadership. With the new minimum wage, Kebbi is a state where infrastructural development goes hand-in-hand with human development.

No wonder the NLC President, Joe Ajaero declared, “Kebbi is a state where you obtain positive news since Kaura assumed power.”

Credit: Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Media and Publicity.