The Kaduna State government has begun implementing its new ₦72,000 minimum wage, with civil servants on Grade Levels 1 to 6 as the first to receive the increased pay.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kaduna has confirmed the commencement of the payment, calling it a positive step but insisting on wider coverage.
During a press conference, Kaduna State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, commended the government but urged them to extend the new wage to all workers.
He specifically called for the inclusion of teachers, health personnel, staff of tertiary institutions, parastatals, and local government employees.
According to Suleiman, the government has linked the full rollout to an ongoing staff and pensioner verification exercise, which is expected to be completed by the end of September.
He emphasized that the new wage is a “legal entitlement” for every category of worker, not just a select few.
While he praised the government’s plan to adjust salaries for health workers under the CONMESS and CONHESS structures, he expressed concern over the continued exclusion of teachers and local government staff.
Suleiman reassured workers that the union will not stop engaging with authorities until the new wage is fully extended to everyone.
He urged workers to “stay calm but vigilant,” promising that the NLC would continue to fight for what is due to them.
