Minimum Wage Crisis: Group condemns low pay of civil servants in Borno

The Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists Assembly has expressed its concerns over the ongoing negotiations for the upward review of the National Minimum Wage by the Federal Government on Nigeria. 

The group’s concern was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Isa Tijjani, the National Interim Chairman, on Monday. 

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As the assembly expressed displeasure over the difficulties faced by workers across the country due to the reluctance of many governors to implement and pay the agreed minimum wage rates, it specifically highlighted the situation in Borno State, where workers are reportedly receiving a meager N6000 to N8000 as the minimum wage, saying the practice “despicable” and akin to “inhuman slavery in the 21st century.”

Acknowledging the efforts of the Tinubu administration as a “labour-friendly gesture,” the group urged labour leaders and the working class to ensure the complete and holistic implementation of any agreements reached at the end of the negotiations.

“The Assembly has directly appealed to Governor Zulum of Borno State to ensure that all entitled workers receive the prevailing agreed minimum wage amount before the new wage comes into effect.”

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Additionally, they call for an end to arbitrary deductions from workers’ salaries under the guise of palliatives or for the purchase of cars for local government chairmen.

“The Assembly also expresses concern that the situation in Borno State may be indicative of a broader issue affecting workers in other states. Therefore, we stress the importance for labour leaders and their members to address the full implementation of wage agreements before the new National Minimum Wage legislation is enacted.”