Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has assured that his administration will implement the N70,000 minimum wage as soon as resources become available.
He made this statement during an interview with journalists after declaring open the 2024 quadrennial state delegate conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Minna.
The governor emphasized that the implementation of the minimum wage is contingent upon the availability of funds.
He noted that the state government is waiting for the national implementation of the minimum wage before proceeding.
Governor Bago highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the payment of backlog salaries to health workers and the ongoing renovation of 100 healthcare facilities to create a conducive working environment.
He also mentioned the consistent payment of counterpart funds and the creation of the Niger Ministry for Primary Healthcare Development to cater to the welfare of health workers.
The governor appealed to the union leaders to continue collaborating with the government, acknowledging workers’ rights to agitate for their entitlements while also considering the government’s efforts to ensure their welfare.
He advised the incoming executives of MHWUN to prioritize members’ interests.
The conference aimed to elect new leadership to pilot the affairs of the union for the next four years.
Abdullahi Erena, chairman of MHWUN in Niger, highlighted the union’s challenges, including the global pandemic and economic uncertainties, but emphasized their commitment to providing healthcare services.
Kabir Sani, national president of MHWUN, condemned the recent fuel price increment and called on the government to revert it.
He pledged the union’s support for any lawful action by organized labor to address economic challenges.
Idris Lafene, Niger chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, also called for unity among unions and condemned the recent increase in fuel pump prices
and electricity tariffs.
and electricity tariffs.
