The Niger State government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for civil servants, set to take effect in November 2024.
This announcement was made by the state governor, Umaru Bago, after extensive negotiations between the state government and the state labour union’s leadership.
Governor Bago assured workers that the state’s focus on agricultural development would help sustain the new minimum wage.
He expressed optimism that, with increased agricultural productivity, the government might further raise the minimum wage in the future.
“This is very sustainable. ₦80,000 is sustainable,” Bago emphasised. “With our progress in agriculture, we are confident in our ability to meet this commitment. We are establishing a civil service farm to enhance productivity among civil servants. With this initiative, we could even consider a minimum wage of ₦1 million.”
The wage increase will apply to both state and local government civil servants. Governor Bago also confirmed that October salaries have already been paid, meaning the increased wage will officially commence in November.
Idris Lafene, the Niger State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), welcomed the decision, praising the state for taking a leading role in implementing an improved minimum wage.
“I am delighted. Niger State is now among the top states with a higher minimum wage,” Lafene said, adding that the ₦80,000 increase exceeded the union’s expectations.
While acknowledging the progress, Lafene noted that the wage increase is still insufficient to cover current living expenses. “₦80,000 does not even cover the cost of a bag of rice in the market, but it is a step forward,” he stated.