The Gombe State government has pledged to implement a new minimum wage of N70,000 for its workers. This commitment comes as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Gombe chapter, awaits the release of the National Minimum Wage table to begin negotiations on the increased wage.
Speaking at a recent meeting with the minimum wage implementation committee, Gombe’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, reiterated the state’s commitment to the new wage. “The governor is highly committed to paying the N70,000 minimum wage,” Jatau affirmed. This assurance aims to address the rising cost of living and ensure fair compensation for civil servants.
Awaiting National Guidelines
The chairman of the Gombe NLC, Yusuf Aish, highlighted that the state’s labor union is in alignment with the government’s stance. Aish stated that the union agreed to wait for the national wage guidelines before starting full negotiations on the new minimum wage. “We are going to wait a little bit to see the time the National Minimum Wage table will be released. Whenever it’s released, we will start full negotiations in Gombe,” Aish said.
Meanwhile, the N10,000 palliative payment to civil servants, initiated in September 2023 to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal, continues. “The government will pay actual salary and then pay N10,000 separately so that civil servants understand their salary and the palliative,” Aish added. This arrangement allows workers to distinguish between their regular pay and the additional relief payment.
Balancing Relief and Salaries
Dr. Jatau, represented by the Head of Civil Service Ahmed Abdullahi, explained that the N10,000 palliative was introduced to ease the financial burden on workers following the subsidy removal. “It was the magnanimity of the governor to alleviate the hardship caused by the removal of subsidy on civil servants,” Jatau said. The state government had previously paid a minimum wage of N40,000, higher than the N30,000 minimum wage mandated by most states.
The ongoing palliative reflects the state government’s concern for its workforce and its efforts to improve its financial stability. “It’s almost one year since we started paying N10,000 to workers, and we are approaching September 2024,” Jatau noted, emphasizing the administration’s ongoing support for civil servants.
Next Steps for Wage Implementation
As the state government prepares to roll out the N70,000 minimum wage, discussions are focused on ensuring a smooth implementation process. Jatau assured that the state is ready to act once the federal guidelines are in place. “We are fine-tuning how to implement the process. For now, the normal salary will be paid, and after two days, the palliative of N10,000 will be paid separately,” he explained. This step is to make sure workers can see the difference between their current pay and the proposed new minimum wage.
By maintaining transparency in salary and palliative payments, Gombe State aims to provide clarity for its civil servants. “The original salary will be paid, and in two days, the N10,000 will be paid so that workers understand the distinction,” Jatau concluded. The state government’s proactive approach highlights its dedication to improving the welfare of its workers amidst economic challenges.
Source: Punch
