Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the full implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage for local government workers. This decision comes as protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) escalate over non-compliance by other states.
The implementation will take effect from May 2026. It covers staff of the 11 local government councils, Local Education Authorities, and primary healthcare workers. The state government has cleared the remaining 43 percent balance of the wage structure.
Key facts:
- The national minimum wage is set at N70,000.
- The state cleared a 43 percent balance of the wage structure.
- Implementation begins in May 2026.
- Eleven local government councils are included in this approval.
This move is expected to boost morale and enhance productivity among local government workers. It also aims to strengthen service delivery within Gombe State.
However, the NLC continues to express concern over widespread violations of the wage law across Nigeria. They have directed protests for states that have not fully implemented the minimum wage. Workers are also set to boycott official celebrations organized by non-compliant state governments on May Day.
Professor Muazu Shehu noted that improved fiscal conditions at the local government level enabled councils to meet salary obligations without disruption. He stated, “The state government has cleared the remaining 43 percent balance, completing 100 percent implementation of the wage structure.”
The NLC criticized several state governments for violating the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. They stated, “Regrettably, several state governments have continued to violate the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, refusing to fully implement its key provisions.”