Bauchi workers express satisfaction over N70,000 minimum wage

Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Bauchi State Chapter has expressed satisfaction over the approval of the new national minimum wage signed by the state government and the pledge to commence payment in November.

Chairman of the Union in Bauchi, Comrade Dauda Shuaibu while addressing journalists on Friday said that the state government has reached an agreement after the committee headed by the Accountant General of Bauchi and NLC members. He said that the agreement was reached in November and the payment would commence immediately.

According to him, the implementation of the minimum wage affects workers at the state and local government levels.

“Alongside the N70,000 minimum wage, we have also submitted a letter for N32,000 pension payment in the state. The Governor has not opposed it but urged us to give him a little time as we have just ended the new national minimum wage.

“We encourage our senior citizens to be more patient. We are going on with that negotiation too. It is going to be part of our next struggles.

“On the issue of arrears, we signed the agreement for the new minimum wage on the 21th of November, 2024, we didn’t discuss the issue of arrears, based on reality and the amount of money added (to the minimum wage), the burden is too huge. I cannot guarantee you of arrears. It is not captured in the agreement we had,” he said.

The Union leader commended Governor Bala Mohammed for supporting the welfare of the workers. “On behalf of all the workers in the state, we expressed our sincere gratitude to his Excellency the Governor, Bala Mohammed for the approval of the new national minimum wage. We hereby assure him that we are going to reciprocate this gesture,” he added.