The Nigerian Labour Congress, Katsina State chapter, has called for the immediate implementation of the full minimum wage across all sectors of government.
The Chairman of the Union, Hussaini Hamisu, made the demand in his speech during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Katsina on Thursday.
Hamisu also urged the Federal Government to address the insecurity affecting the state.
He said, “Despite agreements, some tertiary institutions in our State have yet to fully implement the new minimum wage. The joint consultative forum of these institutions has expressed dissatisfactíon, and we stand in solidarity with them demanding timely and full implementation. We demand swift and complete implementation of the new minimum wage across all sectors to reflect our shared commitment to workers’ welfare.
“Employment of more Health Workers at the Primary Healthcare Agency. Your Excellency, you may direct the agency to apply the same method being practised at the SUBEB, from the last administration to date, more than 4,000 health workers have retired and there has been no replacement thereafter. This has grossly affected the healthcare service delivery in the state.
“We urge the State Government to address the challenges faced by retirees by ensuring the timely payment of their benefits, especially those at the Local Government Areas level. Your Excellency, you have given approval to clear the backlog up to December 2023, 12 months. In the Local Government 6 months, for the state retirees, however, the payment at Local Government is facing a serious challenge.”
He added, “We also want to request his Excellency to look into the possibility of extending the current termination at Grade Level 16 and further request the same gesture to State Civil Servants to be promoted to Grade Level 17 as Grade Level 15 for a long period of time, we really appreciate and commend the Government.
“We call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in securing our agricultural communities, ensuring that farmers can work without fear of violence or extortion.
“This could be achieved if the Federal Government can continue to strengthen the security architecture in the State. We appreciate the commitment of His Excellency in taking bold steps to ensure peace and stability are enjoyed in the State. We strongly believe that the security has now improved significantly with this determination and commitment.
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Radda responded to the Labour’s demand on minimum wage implementation, stating, “I have approved the local government minimum wage since last month but I don’t know what is delaying the implementation. The Head of Civil Service should look into the delay.”