The Sokoto State Government has fully implemented the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, with all categories of workers, including those in the Local Government and Local Government Education Authorities, already receiving the new wage.
This development was confirmed during a joint press briefing on Wednesday by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Aliyu Jangle, and the State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Comrade Ibrahim Gero.
The labour leaders dismissed recent reports suggesting that Sokoto was yet to commence payment of the new minimum wage. The report, credited to the National President of NULGE, was described as “inaccurate and misleading.”
“It is important to set the record straight. Our members in Sokoto State have been receiving the ₦70,000 minimum wage as approved by the state government,” said Jangle.
“The administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu has not only implemented the new wage but has done so without delay or controversy.”
Gero echoed similar sentiments, stating that the workers in the state are pleased with the government’s responsiveness. “The story published by a national newspaper is false.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has demonstrated commitment to worker welfare more than any administration in recent years,” he said.
The NLC chairman also praised the governor’s proactive approach, describing him as “the most worker-friendly governor in the country.” He highlighted the administration’s efforts in ensuring prompt salary payments, clearing pension backlogs, and addressing other welfare concerns.
“We were actively involved in the implementation process,” Jangle noted. “The NLC led the verification committee set up to clean up the payroll system in preparation for the wage increase. This transparent approach is commendable.”
In addition to implementing the new wage, the labour leaders disclosed that the state government had begun the monthly payment of pensions to retirees under the Nomadic Education Commission and had started clearing arrears of gratuities and pensions running into billions of naira.
They called on other states across the federation to follow Sokoto’s example in prioritizing worker welfare and aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the national wage policy.
“We appreciate the governor’s unwavering commitment to labour welfare and urge other states to emulate Sokoto’s leadership in this regard,” Gero said.
