The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Niger State Chapter, has described Governor Umar Mohammed Bago’s welfare package for civil servants in the state as a record-breaking achievement.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with Nigerian NewsDirect in his officers in Minna on Wednesday, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Idrees Abdulkaarem Lakpene, commended the governor for what he termed an unprecedented commitment to workers’ welfare.
He said Governor Bago had distinguished himself from his predecessors by approving the payment of a new minimum wage of ₦80,000, which exceeds the ₦70,000 proposed by the Federal Government.
According to him, this singular move has made life more meaningful for civil servants and families across the state.
Lakpene said that the progress made so far was a result of the collective efforts of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the NLC, in collaboration with the state government.
“Through unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment, we achieved several milestones that have strengthened the trust and confidence of our workforce in the state,” he stated.
“I am proud of the contributions of the SEC for their untiring efforts in achieving this laudable milestone, especially the successful implementation of the ₦80,000 state minimum wage for both state and local government workers,” he added.
The NLC Chairman also noted other notable achievements under the Bago-led administration, including the resumption of gratuity payments, with 11 tranches of ₦500 million each allocated to both state and LGA workers, as well as the payment of wage awards for civil servants across both levels.
While acknowledging the progress so far, Lakpene expressed optimism for even greater achievements in the future.
“With the support of the SEC, we will continue to prioritise the welfare of workers, foster industrial harmony, and advance our collective agenda for sustainable development and progress,” he said.
He urged all members to remain steadfast, united, and committed to the shared goals of enhancing the dignity, rights, and well-being of workers across Niger State.
