Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000, set to take effect in November 2024.
Speaking after a meeting between the state government and labour union leaders, Bago assured that the wage increase is sustainable, citing the government’s agricultural initiatives.
“This is sustainable. With our progress in agriculture, I’m confident we can maintain it. In fact, with the introduction of civil service farms, we could eventually pay up to ₦1 million as a minimum wage,” Bago said.
The governor confirmed that the new wage would apply to both state and local government employees, adding that October salaries have already been disbursed, and the new rate will start in November.
Idrees Lafene, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger State, expressed satisfaction with the development, stating that the governor exceeded the union’s expectations.
“Niger is now among the leading states to implement a higher minimum wage,” Lafene said. While acknowledging the wage hike as progress, he added, “It’s not enough to buy a bag of rice, but it’s a step forward.”
