Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has assured that his administration will implement the N70,000 minimum wage, provided the necessary resources are available.
He made this statement on Wednesday during the 2024 quadrennial state delegate conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Minna, the state capital. Speaking through his deputy,
Yakubu Garba, Bago underlined that the state government was awaiting national-level implementation of the wage and expressed readiness to follow through as long as funding permits.
He also highlighted efforts to improve the welfare of health workers, including clearing salary arrears and renovating 100 healthcare facilities to ensure a conducive work environment.
Bago mentioned the state’s commitment to paying counterpart funds and the establishment of the Ministry for Primary Healthcare Development to address health workers’ welfare.
He acknowledged the strong relationship with union leaders and urged them to continue collaborating with the government for mutual benefit.
While workers are entitled to advocate for their rights, he urged them to consider the state’s ongoing efforts to improve their welfare.
The governor also encouraged the incoming MHWUN executives to prioritize the interests of union members.
In his remarks, MHWUN state chairman Abdullahi Erena outlined the union’s challenges, including the global pandemic, economic uncertainties, and insecurity, but reiterated its commitment to healthcare service delivery.
Dr. Kabir Sani, MHWUN National President, condemned the recent increase in fuel prices and called for government action to alleviate the economic burden on workers. Similarly, Malam Idris Lafene, Niger Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), called for unity among unions and criticized the hike in fuel prices and electricity tariffs.
