The organized labor in Niger state is willing to accept a delay in the payment of October salaries in order to secure the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger State, Comrade Idrees Lafene, expressed this readiness during an interview in Minna, the state capital.
Lafene emphasized that they have already informed the Niger State Government about their willingness to wait for the delayed October salary, as long as the new minimum wage is implemented.
He stated that they are firm on not accepting anything less than the minimum wage by the end of October.
Furthermore, Lafene, who also serves as the state President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Niger State, expressed confidence that the state government will soon implement the new minimum wage.
He revealed ongoing discussions with the state government on this matter and mentioned an upcoming meeting scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2024, to address any remaining issues.
The organized labor in Niger State has advised the State Government to consider adopting the same minimum wage being implemented by the Federal Government for the benefit of all if they are unable to exceed the federal standard.
Lafene also explained that they have met with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who assured them that the state government does not have issues with implementing the new minimum wage at the state level.
However, the concern lies at the local government level, where salaries are almost four times greater than those at the state level.
The Governor expressed his apprehension about the implementation of the new minimum wage at the local government level, especially with the commencement of local government autonomy this month.
The NLC Chairman highlighted their efforts to explore various options to ensure full implementation of the new minimum wage at the local government level, emphasizing the importance of every council chairman being able to implement the agreed-upon terms with the Niger State Government.
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