Yobe State Government and labour unions have finalized an agreement to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants, a decision that will take effect from December 2024. This landmark resolution comes amid nationwide calls for a strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with Yobe workers opting out due to the agreement.

Baba Wali, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the N70,000 Minimum Wage Committee, announced that the recommendation for the wage increase was approved by Governor Mai Mala Buni after extensive negotiations. “The Yobe State Government has approved the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for all state civil servants, pensioners, and those on special salary structures, effective December 2024,” Wali confirmed.

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The signing ceremony, held in Damaturu on Friday, was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the government and organized labour unions. Among the officials present were Dr. Bukar Kilo (representing the Head of Civil Service), Permanent Secretary Shaibu Ibrahim Amshi, Accountant General Mohammed Alkali Dinkiri, and Yobe State NLC Chairman Comrade Muktar Musa Tarbutu. The Trade Union Congress and the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees were also represented.

Comrade Tarbutu assured workers of their welfare being prioritized under the agreement and stated, “We will not be joining the nationwide strike due to our commitment to the agreement with the State Government to implement the N70,000 minimum wage.” However, he noted that while local government employees were initially included in the new wage structure, unresolved issues with some local governments necessitated a temporary delay for further review.

The state government had previously denied rumors of wage increases starting in August, clarifying the formation of a 10-member committee in October to address the implementation process. Tarbutu urged civil servants to remain committed to their duties and reassured them of the government’s dedication to honoring the new pay structure.