The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Gombe State, Yusuf Aish, has called for the full implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.
Aish made these remarks during an interview with journalists during the May Day celebration with the theme “People First,” held at the Pantami Stadium.
He pointed out that the N30,000 minimum wage has not been fully implemented across Gombe State and urged for its balance and complete enforcement.
Aish noted discrepancies in the implementation within different sectors, stating that, “the health sector is at 65 per cent, while other civil service sectors are yet to reach 100 per cent implementation.”
The chairman further explained the challenges faced by local government workers, stating that some local government areas couldn’t even pay 10 per cent of the minimum wage.
He stressed the importance of moving beyond minimum wage to a living wage due to the current economic hardships faced by workers.
He stated, “Balance and implementation of the remaining N30,000 minimum wage, balances from the agreed N30,000 for state civil service.
“It’s not 100 per cent; the health sector is 65 per cent, 35 per cent is yet to be implemented, whereas in the other civil service of the state, their allowances were not enhanced going by the basic.
“We also agreed that tax should be waived for a period until the government can implement across board. As of now, we are paying the old tax because the government has not implemented 100 per cent as agreed.
“The local government services haven’t done anything in terms of minimum wage. At the time of discussing minimum wage there was a serious vacuum.
“We realised during negotiation that one LGA which was Nafada could pay minimum wage to workers, followed by Funakaye for about 90 per cent workers. Some LGAs can’t pay 10 per cent.
“We agreed that when the situation improves, LG workers will get minimum wage. However, before I became NLC Chairman two years ago, no engagement with the government but after I became the chairman, we had two series of meetings on how the technical committee needs to work on the remaining balances and see to the implementation.”
“It is no longer the issue of minimum wage but living wage because of the issues we have found ourselves in the country,” Aish added.
He called on the government to prioritize human development to curb social vices and reduce crime rates.
In his remarks, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau, reiterated the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, stating that the current administration was workers’ friendly.
He added that the cordial relationship had entrenched peace and development.