The Association of Zamfara North Youth Concerned Citizens (AZNYCC) has urged the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to fully adhere to the national directive to embark on strike over alleged poor utilisation of the state’s monthly allocation and neglect of the workers’ welfare by Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.
The youth group, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bashir Aliyu Zurmi, raised concerns over the poor use of a monthly allocation of N9.88 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
AZNYCC said, “With the state’s monthly wage bill and allowances totalling N2.18 billion, what is there on the ground to justify the huge allocations to the state?
“Similarly, the 14 local government councils in Zamfara collectively receive N8.19 billion monthly from FAAC. However, their wage bill, as reported by the Dauda administration, is just N256.5 million.”
Aliyu Zurmi questioned why the “civil servants in the state are grappling with half salaries and the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, enacted under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This comes despite an increase in federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidies.”
AZNYCC criticised Governor Lawal’s perceived reluctance to implement the wage increase, stating that while previous administrations, including that of former Governor Bello Matawalle, promptly enforced the N30,000 minimum wage, the current administration has shown no such commitment.
“Last month, Governor Lawal announced the formation of a committee to review and implement the new wage policy. However, Zurmi dismissed the move as insincere. “This is mere eye service,” the AZNYCC statement reads.
While the group accused Governor Lawal of prioritising personal luxuries over public service, it called on the NLC in the state to remain steadfast and unyielding in its demands for better governance.
“The union must stand firm and prioritise the interests of civil servants over political considerations,” the statement said.
