Niger announces new minimum wage for workers

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has announced an increased minimum wage of N80,000 for state and local government civil servants, set to commence in November.

This decision followed a meeting with the organized labour representatives at the Government House in Minna on Friday.

Bago stated that a committee would oversee consequential adjustments associated with the new wage structure, ensuring that the increase benefits all eligible workers.

He expressed confidence in the sustainability of the wage hike, crediting the state’s agricultural achievements as a support for the improved pay scale.

Bago also encouraged civil servants to engage in agricultural practices, proposing the establishment of “civil service farms” as an initiative to boost productivity within the workforce.

Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) state Chairman Idrees Lafene lauded the governor’s decision to implement the N80,000 minimum wage, calling it a progressive step that exceeds the union’s expectations.

“Our proposals ranged between N70,000 and N80,000, so the governor’s approval is beyond what we anticipated,” he remarked, adding that the union would continue to engage with the government for further improvements in workers’ welfare.