Gombe: The Nigeria Labour Congress, Gombe State Council, has urged the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, to ensure the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for local government workers in the state. Its Chairman, Mr. Yusuf Bello, made the demand while delivering his speech on Thursday at the Pantami Township Stadium, Gombe, during the commemoration of the 2025 Workers’ Day in the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bello emphasized the necessity of this appeal due to the economic situation in the country impacting all workers, regardless of their levels. He stressed that the implementation of the new minimum wage is a rightful entitlement for local government workers, who face the same economic challenges as their counterparts in the state workforce.
Bello also called for an upward review of the monthly pensions for retirees at both the state and local government levels to help them cope with the rising cost of living. He suggested that the state government recruit additional personnel or consider transferring manpower from the local government to the state civil service to address gaps created by retirements, transfers, and voluntary withdrawals from service.
Furthermore, Bello acknowledged the Yahaya-led administration’s commitment to worker welfare and assured the state government of the council’s support in achieving its governance goals.
In response, State Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau highlighted the administration’s dedication to workers’ welfare, citing the prompt payment of salaries and the state’s early implementation of the national minimum wage as evidence. Jatau assured the NLC that their demands are being addressed, with many already under review by a designated committee.