The Niger State government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for civil servants, which is to commence in November 2024.

This announcement was made by the state governor, Umaru Bago, following a lengthy negotiation between the state government and the leadership of the state’s labour union.

Governor Bago assured workers that the state’s investment in agricultural development would support the sustainability of the new minimum wage.

He expressed confidence that the government could increase the minimum wage further in the future through agricultural productivity. 

“This is very sustainable. ₦80,000 is sustainable,” Bago emphasized. “With our agricultural strides, we are sure we can pay. We are creating a civil service farm to encourage productivity among civil servants. With this initiative, we could even consider a minimum wage of ₦1 million.”

The new wage increase will apply to both state and local government civil servants. Governor Bago also confirmed that the October salaries have already been disbursed, meaning the increased wages will officially begin in November.

Expressing his approval, Idris Lafene, the Niger State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), praised the decision.

“I am delighted. Niger State is now among the leading states in implementing an improved minimum wage,” Lafene said, adding that the ₦80,000 increase exceeded the union’s expectations.

While the new wage is a positive development, Lafene acknowledged that it is still not sufficient to cover current living costs. “₦80,000 is not enough to buy a bag of rice in the market, but it is a step forward,” he stated.