Katsina govt approves N70,000 minimum wage, to begin in december
- Katsina City News
- 30 Nov, 2024
- 149
By; Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina
The Katsina State Government under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has approved the implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage for its civil servants, with effect from December 2024.
The decision was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, during a press briefing held at his office in the state secretariat.
This landmark decision followed nine hours of intense deliberations between representatives of the state government and labour unions. The discussions reportedly focused on reconciling workers’ demands with the government’s financial capacity, ensuring that the new wage policy is sustainable while addressing the economic realities faced by the workforce.
Barrister Faskari, while addressing the press, reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its workers. He described the decision as a testament to Governor Dikko Umar Radda administration’s dedication to prioritizing the needs of civil servants and fostering harmonious labour relations.
The new minimum wage is expected to provide much-needed relief to civil servants grappling with rising living costs.
The labour unions expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations, commending the government for its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and respond to the demands of workers in the state.
While acknowledging the financial implications of the decision, Barrister Faskari assured that the government had thoroughly assessed its fiscal position and was confident in its ability to implement the new wage structure without compromising other developmental projects or essential services.
He noted that plans are underway to streamline the payroll system to ensure a smooth transition and prompt payment of the adjusted salaries.
Nigerian PILOT learnt that the approval was part of a broader effort by state governments across the country to align with evolving economic conditions and inflationary trends. Katsina State joins a growing list of states revising their wage policies to address the economic challenges faced by workers.
The implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage is anticipated to bolster the morale of civil servants and the development has been widely regarded as a significant step in enhancing workers’ welfare and demonstrates the government’s commitment to prioritizing the socio-economic well-being of its workforce.