Uncertainty trails Jigawa's N70,000 minimum wage implementation

Add as a preferred source

Fear grips the Jigawa State workers over uncertainty regarding the implementation and commencement period of the approved N70,000 minimum wage by Governor Malam Umar Namadi some weeks ago.

Reports from the state indicated that Governor Malam Umar Namadi announced his government’s approval for paying the state’s civil servants the N70,000 minimum wage in a media broadcast lasting less than five minutes, shortly before his departure overseas for a two-week vacation.

Findings by Tribune Online in the state revealed that the governor’s broadcast remained silent on the implementation period, which would determine whether workers would have arrears or not.

Speaking to Tribune Online, some civil servants commended the governor’s courageous efforts and concern for workers by timely approving the N70,000 wage, the same amount as the federal government.

A Level 13 officer serving in the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry Department, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We are really happy with the governor’s decisions; it is really very good news for every working class considering the economic hardship and inflation.”

Another civil servant, a primary school teacher, also expressed gratitude to the governor for approving the new minimum wage but raised concerns about when it would start.

He stated, “This is halfway information. Yes, he approved it, but when are we going to collect it? What happened at the federal level? President Tinubu approved it how many months ago? Up to today, none of the federal government workers have received it. It is just a deception.”

Tribune Online’s investigation in the state revealed that there is no certainty regarding the timeline for the new wage implementation, as the governor is currently out of the state, and he is the only person who can determine what and when it will happen.

All efforts to speak with the Jigawa State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammed Dagiteri, proved abortive.

When Tribune Online visited his office, he was found to be out of state for official duties, and no one was ready to comment on the matter.

However, a source in the office of the state head of civil service, who requested anonymity, said, “My position does not allow me to speak to the media at whatever level, but what I know is that the office of the Accountant General is responsible for knowing everything regarding salary preparation, auditing, and payment, which has been transferred there by Governor Namadi.”

Also contacted, the Accountant General of the state, Alhaji Abdullahi SG Shehu, said, “I’m not in a position to say when the new salary would start. My role is to pay if I am directed to do so.”

Alhaji Abdullahi SG Shehu added, “I am working on directives. I can’t decide what to do or when to do it; I just receive orders and directives, simple.”

The chairman of the Jigawa State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunusi Alhassan, was also contacted through his mobile phone regarding when his members would start collecting their new salaries.

He responded, “Up to now, we did not sign the agreement.”

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE