Niger State Approves ₦80,000 Minimum Wage for Civil Servants Starting November

Written on 26/10/2024

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The Niger State government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for civil servants, effective from November 2024. Governor Umaru Bago announced the decision after extensive negotiations between the state government and the state’s Labour Union.

He highlighted that the state’s investment in agricultural development would support the new wage policy, which is expected to boost revenue.

Governor Bago also expressed optimism about the potential for further wage increases in the future, driven by enhanced 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 consider a minimum wage of ₦1 million.”

The new wage increase applies to 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.