Niger Gov sets condition for implementing new minimum wage
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State stated that his administration would not hesitate to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage, provided sufficient resources are available.
He made this remark in an interview with newsmen after declaring open the 2024 quadrennial state delegate conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Minna, the state capital, on Wednesday.
Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr. Yakubu Garba, said the state government was awaiting the implementation of the minimum wage at the national level.
“The issue of the minimum wage is a done deal. We are waiting for it, and as long as funds are available, we will not hesitate to implement it in the state,” he said.
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He disclosed that the backlog of salaries owed to health workers had been cleared, and that the ongoing renovation of 100 healthcare facilities was aimed at providing a conducive working environment.
He noted that the government had been consistent in the payment of counterpart funds and that the state Ministry for Primary Healthcare Development was created to address the welfare of health workers.
Bago thanked the union leaders for maintaining a cooperative relationship with the state government and urged them to continue collaborating.
He acknowledged that while workers have the right to agitate for their entitlements, they should also consider the efforts the government is making to ensure their welfare.
The governor advised the incoming executives of MHWUN to set aside personal interests and prioritize the interests of the members.
In his address, Abdullahi Erena, the state Chairman of MHWUN, said the conference was held to elect new leadership that would oversee the union’s affairs for the next four years.
He noted that the union had faced challenges such as the global pandemic, economic uncertainties, healthcare demands, and banditry, but had remained committed to providing healthcare services.
In his remarks, Dr. Kabir Sani, National President of MHWUN, called on Nigerians to condemn the recent fuel pump price hike and urged the government to reverse it.
He emphasized that the union is committed to supporting any lawful action by organized labor to protect workers and Nigerians from economic hardships.
Malam Idris Lafene, Niger Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), also called for unity among unions and condemned the recent increases in fuel pump prices and electricity tariffs.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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