Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has started the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had signed the new Minimum Wage Bill into law a few weeks ago following prolonged negotiations with Organised Labour. However, many State governors have stated that they cannot afford to pay the N70,000 minimum wage due to economic realities. This was after back and forth with the Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and Trade Union Congress, (TUC).
In contrast, the Adamawa State governor has initiated the payment of the new minimum wage for state workers, which began in August 2024. Recall that during his meeting with the Organised Labour on August 19, 2024, promised to start paying the N70,000 minimum wage this month.
He also promised that local government workers would start receiving the increased salary in September.
The Governor fulfilled the promise as workers confirmed they had received their salaries. This announcement has led to widespread celebrations among civil servants in the State who confirmed the new payment in their August salary.
A cross-section of civil servants, in interviews after receiving their August salaries, commended Governor Fintiri for keeping his promise to the workers.
The implementation of the new minimum wage has been hailed as a significant achievement for the Fintiri administration, which has been nicknamed the “Fresh Air Government” by its supporters.
