Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has officially approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants, a decision announced at the Jigawa State Government House in Dutse.
The approval follows the governor’s receipt of a comprehensive report from a committee set up to review the state’s minimum wage structure.
In his address, Governor Namadi emphasized the significance of adequately compensating the state’s workforce for their dedication and service.
“After receiving the report by the committee on minimum wage, we have resolved to pay our workers ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage,” he announced.
The governor expressed the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of civil servants, highlighting that the decision came after careful consideration of both the economic challenges and the state’s financial viability.
“We understand the rising cost of living, and we believe this increment will go a long way in alleviating the financial burden on our workers,” he added, acknowledging the financial pressures employees are facing.
The announcement has been welcomed with enthusiasm by civil servants, who had been eagerly awaiting news of a wage increase. Governor Namadi assured the public that the new wage structure would be implemented promptly, with measures in place to ensure a smooth transition.
The committee that reviewed the wage structure commended the governor for his proactive approach. According to sources familiar with the process, the committee’s report took into account critical factors, including inflation and the need to maintain a motivated workforce capable of delivering quality public service.
Jigawa’s wage adjustment aligns with similar initiatives across the country, as many states grapple with the effects of inflation and rising demands for improved worker compensation.
Earlier in 2024, President Bola Tinubu had approved a national minimum wage increase to ₦70,000 from the previous ₦30,000, marking a broader effort to address the economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.