The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Sokoto state has strongly refuted a report claiming that the state has not implemented the new N70,000 minimum wage.
The NLC and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) described the report as “misleading and completely untrue.”
At a joint press conference, Sokoto state NLC Chairman Aliyu Abdullahi Jangale and NULGE State President Ibrahim Abubakar Giro categorically dismissed the claim attributed to the National President of NULGE, Ali Haruna Kankara, who reportedly listed Sokoto among the states yet to implement the new wage.
“To set the record straight, Sokoto state was the first in the entire federation to implement the N70,000 minimum wage fully. This began as far back as January this year,” Jangale said.
“Workers across all levels, state, local government, and LGEAs are already receiving the new wage.”
Jangale expressed disappointment over the national leadership’s misinformation, urging labour leaders to verify facts before making public statements.
“It’s disheartening to see such a claim coming from our national president. We expected better,” he added.
The NLC Chairman also lauded Governor Ahmed Aliyu, describing him as “the most worker-friendly Governor in Nigeria. “He cited the administration’s consistency in prioritising workers’ welfare.
According to him, the state government has taken steps to clean up the payroll system, ensure transparency, and implement the new wage.
“We were part of the verification committee that fished out ghost workers. This was a key part of preparations before rolling out the new salary structure,” he explained.
The Union leaders further reassured workers that their rights remain a top priority while also calling on the media always to verify reports concerning the welfare of citizens.
